Female Genitourinary System - Questions

Question 1

During a health history, a 22-year-old woman asks, “Can I get that vaccine for human papilloma virus (HPV)? I have genital warts and I’d like them to go away!” What is the nurse’s best response?

a. “The HPV vaccine is for girls and women ages 9 to 26 years, so we can start that today.”
b. “This vaccine is only for girls who have not yet started to become sexually active.”
c. “Let’s check with the physician to see if you are a candidate for this vaccine.”
d. “The vaccine cannot protect you if you already have an HPV infection.”

Answer 1

ANS: D

The HPV vaccine is appropriate for girls and women age 9 to 26 years and is administered to prevent cervical cancer by preventing HPV infections before girls become sexually active. However, it cannot protect the woman if an HPV infection is already present.

Question 2

The nurse is examining a female patient’s vestibule. What does the nurse expect to visualize?

a. Urethral meatus and vaginal orifice
b. Vaginal orifice and vestibular (Bartholin) glands
c. Urethral meatus and paraurethral (Skene) glands
d. Paraurethral (Skene) and vestibular (Bartholin) glands

Answer 2

ANS: A

The labial structures encircle a boat-shaped space, or cleft, termed the vestibule. Within the vestibule are numerous openings. The urethral meatus and vaginal orifice are visible. The ducts of the paraurethral (Skene) glands and the vestibular (Bartholin) glands are present but not visible.

Question 3

During a speculum inspection of the vagina, what would the nurse expect to see at the end of the vaginal canal?

a. Cervix
b. Uterus
c. Ovaries
d. Fallopian tubes

Answer 3

ANS: A

At the end of the canal, the uterine cervix projects into the vagina.

Question 4

The uterus is usually positioned tilting forward and superior to the bladder. What is this position called?

a. Anteverted and anteflexed
b. Retroverted and anteflexed
c. Retroverted and retroflexed
d. Superiorverted and anteflexed

Answer 4

ANS: A

The uterus is freely movable, not fixed, and usually tilts forward and superior to the bladder (a position labeled as anteverted and anteflexed).

Question 5

An 11-year-old girl is in the clinic for a sports physical examination. The nurse notices that she has begun to develop breasts, and during the conversation the girl reveals that she is worried about her development. The nurse should use which of these techniques to best assist the young girl in understanding the expected sequence for development?

a. Use the Tanner scale on the five stages of sexual development.
b. Describe her development and compare it with that of other girls her age.
c. Use the Jacobsen table on expected development on the basis of height and weight data.
d. Reassure her that her development is within normal limits and tell her not to worry about the next step.

Answer 5

ANS: A

The Tanner scale on the five stages of pubic hair development is helpful in teaching girls the expected sequence of sexual development (see Table 26-1). The other responses are not appropriate.

Question 6

A woman who is 8 weeks pregnant is in the clinic for a checkup. The nurse reads on her chart that her cervix is softened and looks cyanotic. Based on these findings, what two signs is the patient exhibiting?

a. Tanner and Hegar
b. Hegar and Goodell
c. Chadwick and Hegar
d. Goodell and Chadwick

Answer 6

ANS: D

Shortly after the first missed menstrual period, the female genitalia show signs of the growing fetus. The cervix softens (Goodell sign) at 4 to 6 weeks, and the vaginal mucosa and cervix look cyanotic (Chadwick sign) at 8 to 12 weeks. These changes occur because of increased vascularity and edema of the cervix and hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the cervical glands. Hegar sign occurs when the isthmus of the uterus softens at 6 to 8 weeks. Tanner sign is not a correct response.

Question 7

What usually occurs to the cells in the reproductive tract to cause the changes normally associated with menopause?

a. Aging
b. Becoming fibrous
c. Estrogen dependent
d. Able to respond to progesterone

Answer 7

ANS: C

Because cells in the reproductive tract are estrogen dependent, decreased estrogen levels during menopause bring dramatic physical changes. The other options are not correct.

Question 8

The nurse is reviewing the changes that occur with menopause. Which changes are expected?

a. Uterine and ovarian atrophy, along with thinning of vaginal epithelium
b. Ovarian atrophy, increased vaginal secretions, and increasing clitoral size
c. Cervical hypertrophy, ovarian atrophy, and increased acidity of vaginal secretions
d. Vaginal mucosa fragility, increased acidity of vaginal secretions, and uterine hypertrophy

Answer 8

ANS: A

The uterus shrinks because of its decreased myometrium. The ovaries atrophy to 1 to 2 cm and are not palpable after menopause. The sacral ligaments relax, and the pelvic musculature weakens; consequently, the uterus droops. The cervix shrinks and looks paler with a thick glistening epithelium. The vaginal epithelium atrophies, becoming thinner, drier, and itchy. The vaginal pH becomes more alkaline, and secretions are decreased, which results in a fragile mucosal surface that is at risk for vaginitis

Question 9

A 54-year-old woman who has just completed menopause is in the clinic today for a yearly physical examination. Which of these statements should the nurse include in patient education?
a. “You can continue with hormone replacement therapy as it actually decreases your risk for breast cancer.”
b. “You should be aware that you’re at increased risk for dyspareunia because of decreased vaginal secretions.”
c. “You have only stopped menstruating and there are not really any other changes that you need to be concerned about.”
d. “You likely may have difficulty with sexual pleasure as a result of drastic changes
in the female sexual response cycle.”

Answer 9

ANS: B

Decreased vaginal secretions leave the vagina dry and at risk for irritation and pain with intercourse (dyspareunia). Hormone replacement therapy increases, not decreases, the risk for breast cancer. In addition to cessation of menses, there are several other changes that occur with menopause. The female’s hormonal milieu decreases rapidly, the uterus shrinks, the ovaries atrophy, the pelvic musculature weakens, the cervix shrinks, and the vagina becomes shorter, narrower, less elastic, and vaginal epithelium atrophies, becoming thinner, drier, and itchy. However, these physical changes need not affect sexual pleasure and function.

Question 10

A woman is in the clinic for an annual gynecologic examination. How should the nurse begin the interview?

a. Menstrual history, because it is generally nonthreatening.
b. Sexual history, because discussing it first will build rapport.
c. Obstetric history, because it includes the most important information.
d. Urinary system history, because problems may develop in this area as well.

Answer 10

ANS: A

Menstrual history is usually nonthreatening and therefore a good topic with which to begin the interview. Obstetric, urinary, and sexual histories are also part of the interview but not necessarily the best topics with which to start.

Question 11

A patient has had three pregnancies and two live births. How should the nurse record this information?

a. G2; P2; AB1
b. G3; P2; AB0
c. G3; P2; AB1
d. G3; P3; AB1

Answer 11

ANS: C

Gravida (G) is the number of pregnancies. Para (P) is the number of births. Abortions (AB) are interrupted pregnancies, including elective abortions and spontaneous miscarriages.

Question 12

During the interview with a female patient, the nurse gathers data that indicates the patient is perimenopausal. Which of these statements made by this patient leads to this conclusion?

a. “I have noticed that my muscles ache at night when I go to bed.”
b. “I will be very happy when I can stop worrying about having a period.”
c. “I have been noticing that I sweat a lot more than I used to, especially at night.”
d. “I have only been pregnant twice, but both times I had breast tenderness as my
first symptom.”

Answer 12

ANS: C

Hormone shifts occur during the perimenopausal period, and associated symptoms of menopause may occur, such as hot flashes, night sweats, numbness and tingling, headache, palpitations, drenching sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and itching. Muscle aches at night and breast tenderness as the first sign of pregnancy are not perimenopausal symptoms and the patient stating they will be happy to not have to worry about periods also does not indicate perimenopause.

Question 13

A 50-year-old woman calls the clinic because she has noticed some changes in her body and breasts and wonders if these changes could be attributable to the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) she started 3 months earlier. How should the nurse respond?

a. “HRT is at such a low dose that side effects are very unusual.”
b. “HRT has several side effects, including fluid retention, breast tenderness, and vaginal bleeding.”
c. “Vaginal bleeding with HRT is very unusual; I suggest you come into the clinic immediately to have this evaluated.”
d. “It sounds as if your dose of estrogen is too high; I think you may need to decrease the amount you are taking and then call back in a week.”

Answer 13

ANS: B

Side effects of HRT include fluid retention, breast pain, and vaginal bleeding. The other responses are not correct.

Question 14

A 52-year-old patient states that when she sneezes or coughs she “wets herself a little.” She is very concerned that something may be wrong with her. What does this finding suggest?

a. Dysuria
b. Hematuria
c. Urge incontinence
d. Stress incontinence

Answer 14

ANS: D

Stress incontinence is involuntary urine loss with physical strain, sneezing, or coughing. Dysuria is pain or burning with urination. Hematuria is bleeding with urination. Urge incontinence is involuntary urine loss that occurs as a result of an overactive detrusor muscle in the bladder that contracts and causes an urgent need to void.

Question 15

During the interview, a patient reveals that she has some vaginal discharge. She is worried that it may be a sexually transmitted infection. What would be the most appropriate response by the nurse?

a. “Oh, don’t worry. Some cyclic vaginal discharge is normal.”
b. “Have you been engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse?”
c. “I’d like more information about the discharge. What color is it?”
d. “Have you had any urinary incontinence associated with the discharge?”

Answer 15

ANS: C

Questions that help the patient reveal more information about her symptoms should be asked in a nonthreatening manner. Asking about the amount, color, and odor of the vaginal discharge provides the opportunity for further assessment. Normal vaginal discharge is small, clear or cloudy, and always nonirritating.

Question 16

A woman states that 2 weeks ago she had a urinary tract infection that was treated with an antibiotic. What should the nurse ask the woman?

a. “Have you had excessive vaginal bleeding?”
b. “Have you experienced changes in your urination patterns?”
c. “Do you have any unusual vaginal discharge or itching?”
d. “Have you noticed any changes in your desire for intercourse?”

Answer 16

ANS: C

Several medications may increase the risk for vaginitis. Broad-spectrum antibiotics alter the balance of normal flora, which may lead to the development of vaginitis. The other questions are not appropriate.

Question 17

Which statement would be most appropriate when the nurse is introducing the topic of sexual relationships during a health interview?

a. “Now, it is time to talk about your sexual history. When did you first have intercourse?”
b. “Most women your age have had more than one sexual partner. How many would you say you have had?”
c. “Women often feel dissatisfied with their sexual relationships. Would it be okay to discuss this now?”
d. “Women often have questions about their sexual relationship and how it affects
their health. Do you have any questions?”

Answer 17

ANS: D

The nurse should begin with an open-ended question to assess individual needs. The nurse should include appropriate questions as a routine part of the health history, because doing so communicates that the nurse accepts the individual’s sexual activity and believes it is important. The nurse’s comfort with the discussion prompts the patient’s interest and, possibly, relief that the topic has been introduced. The initial discussion establishes a database for comparison with any future sexual activities and provides an opportunity to screen sexual problems.

Question 18

A 22-year-old woman has been considering using oral contraceptives. As a part of her health history, what should the nurse ask?

a. “Do you have a history of heart murmurs?”
b. “Will you be in a monogamous relationship?”
c. “Have you carefully thought this choice through?”
d. “If you smoke, how many cigarettes do you smoke per day?”

Answer 18

ANS: D

Oral contraceptives, together with cigarette smoking, increase the risk for cardiovascular side effects. If cigarettes are used, then the nurse should assess the patient’s smoking history. The other questions are not appropriate

Question 19

A married couple has come to the clinic seeking advice on pregnancy. They have been trying to conceive for 4 months and have not been successful. What should the nurse do first?

a. Ascertain whether either of them has been using broad-spectrum antibiotics.
b. Explain that couples are considered infertile after 1 year of unprotected intercourse.
c. Immediately refer the woman to an expert in pelvic inflammatory disease—the most common cause of infertility.
d. Explain that couples are considered infertile after 3 months of engaging in unprotected intercourse and that they will need a referral to a fertility expert.

Answer 19

ANS: B

Infertility is considered after 1 year of engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse without conceiving. The other actions are not appropriate.

Question 20

A nurse is assessing a patient’s risk for contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). What is an appropriate question to ask this patient?

a. “Do you have a sexually transmitted infection?”
b. “You are aware of the dangers of unprotected sex, aren’t you?”
c. “You know that it’s important to use condoms for protection, right?”
d. “Do you use a condom with each episode of sexual intercourse?”

Answer 20

ANS: D

In reviewing a patient’s risk for STIs, the nurse should ask in a nonconfrontational manner whether condoms are being used during each episode of sexual intercourse. Asking a person whether he or she has an infection does not address the risk.

Question 21

When the nurse is interviewing a preadolescent girl, which opening question would be least threatening?

a. “Do you have any questions about growing up?”
b. “What has your mother told you about growing up?”
c. “When did you notice that your body was changing?”
d. “I remember being very scared when I got my period. How do you think you’ll feel?”

Answer 21

ANS: C

Open-ended questions such as, “When did you…?” rather than “Do you…?” should be asked. Open-ended questions are less threatening because they imply that the topic is normal and unexceptional.

Question 22

When the nurse is discussing sexuality and sexual issues with an adolescent, a permission statement helps convey that it is normal to think or feel a certain way. Which statement is the best example of a permission statement?

a. “It is okay that you have become sexually active.”
b. “Girls your age often have questions about sexual activity. Do you have any questions?”
c. “If it is okay with you, I’d like to ask you some questions about your sexual history.”
d. “Girls your age often engage in sexual activities. It is okay to tell me if you have had intercourse.”

Answer 22

ANS: B

The examiner should start with a permission statement such as, “Girls your age often experience…” A permission statement conveys the idea that it is normal to think or feel a certain way, and implying that the topic is normal and unexceptional is
important.

Question 23

The nurse is preparing to interview a postmenopausal woman. Which of these statements is true as it applies to obtaining the health history of a postmenopausal woman?
a. The nurse should screen for monthly breast tenderness.
b. The nurse should ask a postmenopausal woman if she has ever had vaginal bleeding.
c. Once a woman reaches menopause, the nurse does not need to ask any history questions.
d. Postmenopausal women are not at risk for contracting STIs; therefore, these
questions can be omitted.

Answer 23

ANS: B

Postmenopausal bleeding warrants further workup and referral. The other statements are not true.

Question 24

During the examination portion of a patient’s visit, she will be in lithotomy position. Which statement reflects some things that the nurse can do to make this position more comfortable for her?

a. Ask her to place her hands and arms over her head.
b. Elevate her head and shoulders to maintain eye contact.
c. Allow her to choose to have her feet in the stirrups or have them resting side by side on the edge of the table.
d. Allow her to keep her buttocks approximately 6 inches from the edge of the table to prevent her from feeling as if she will fall off.

Answer 24

ANS: B

The nurse should elevate her head and shoulders to maintain eye contact. The patient’s arms should be placed at her sides or across the chest. Placing her hands and arms over her head only tightens the abdominal muscles. The feet should be placed into the stirrups, knees apart, and buttocks at the edge of the examining table. The stirrups are placed so that the legs are not abducted too
far.

Question 25

An 18-year-old patient is having her first pelvic examination. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

a. Inviting her mother to be present during the examination.
b. Avoiding the lithotomy position for this first time because it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
c. Raising the head of the examination table and giving her a mirror so that she can view the examination.
d. Fully draping her, leaving the drape between her legs elevated to avoid embarrassing her with eye contact.

Answer 25

ANS: C

The techniques of the educational or mirror pelvic examination should be used. This is a routine examination with some modifications in attitude, position, and communication. First, the woman is considered an active participant, one who is interested
in learning and in sharing decisions about her own health care. The woman props herself up on one elbow, or the head of the table is raised. Her other hand holds a mirror between her legs, above the examiner’s hands. The young woman can see all that the examiner is doing and has a full view of her genitalia. The mirror works well for teaching normal anatomy and its relationship to sexual behavior. The examiner can ask her if she would like to have a family member, friend, or chaperone present for the examination. The drape should be pushed down between the patient’s legs so that the nurse can see her face.

Question 26

The nurse has just completed an inspection of a nulliparous woman’s external genitalia. Which of these would be a description of a finding within normal limits?

a. Redness of the labia majora
b. Multiple nontender sebaceous cysts
c. Gaping and slightly shriveled labia majora
d. Discharge that is foul smelling and irritating

Answer 26

ANS: B

No lesions should be noted, except for the occasional sebaceous cysts, which are yellowish 1-cm nodules that are firm, nontender, and often multiple. The labia majora are dark pink, moist, and symmetric; redness indicates inflammation or lesions. Discharge that is foul smelling and irritating may indicate infection. In the nulliparous woman, the labia majora meet in the midline, are symmetric
and plump.

Question 27

The nurse is preparing for an internal genitalia examination of a woman. Which order of the examination is correct?

a. Bimanual, speculum, and rectovaginal
b. Speculum, rectovaginal, and bimanual
c. Speculum, bimanual, and rectovaginal
d. Rectovaginal, bimanual, and speculum

Answer 27

ANS: C

The correct sequence is speculum examination, then bimanual examination after removing the speculum, and then rectovaginal examination. The examiner should change gloves before performing the rectovaginal examination to avoid spreading any possible
infection.

Question 28

During an internal examination of a woman’s genitalia, the nurse will use which technique for proper insertion of the speculum?

a. The woman is instructed to bear down, the speculum blades are opened and
applied in a swift, upward movement.
b. The woman is instructed to bear down, the width of the blades is horizontally
turned, and the speculum is inserted downward at a 45-degree angle toward the
small of the woman’s back.
c. The blades of the speculum are inserted on a horizontal plane, turning them to a
30-degree angle while continuing to insert them. The woman is asked to bear
down after the speculum is inserted.
d. The blades are locked open by turning the thumbscrew. Once the blades are open,
pressure is applied to the introitus and the blades are inserted downward at a
45-degree angle to bring the cervix into view.

Answer 28

ANS: B

The examiner should instruct the woman to bear down, turn the width of the blades horizontally, and insert the speculum at a 45-degree angle downward toward the small of the woman’s back.

Question 29

The nurse is examining a 35-year-old female patient. During the health history, the nurse notices that she has had two term pregnancies, and both babies were delivered vaginally. During the internal examination, the nurse observes that the cervical os is a horizontal slit with some healed lacerations and that the cervix has some nabothian cysts that are small, smooth, and yellow. In addition, the nurse notices that the cervical surface is granular and red, especially around the os. Finally, the nurse notices the presence of stringy, opaque, odorless secretions. Which of these findings are abnormal?

a. Nabothian cysts are present.
b. The cervical os is a horizontal slit.
c. The cervical surface is granular and red.
d. Stringy and opaque secretions are present.

Answer 29

ANS: C

Normal findings: Nabothian cysts may be present on the cervix after childbirth. The cervical os is a horizontal, irregular slit in the parous woman. Secretions vary according to the day of the menstrual cycle, and may be clear and thin or thick, opaque, and stringy. The surface is normally smooth, but cervical eversion, or ectropion, may occur where the endocervical canal is rolled out.
Abnormal finding: The cervical surface should not be reddened or granular, which may indicate a lesion.

Question 30

A patient calls the clinic for instructions before having a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear. What is an appropriate response by the nurse?

a. “If you are menstruating, please use pads to avoid placing anything into the vagina.”
b. “Avoid intercourse, inserting anything into the vagina, or douching within 24 hours of your appointment.”
c. “We would like you to use a mild saline douche before your examination. You may pick this up in our office.”
d. “If you suspect that you have a vaginal infection, please gather a sample of the discharge to bring with you.”

Answer 30

ANS: B

When instructing a patient before Pap smear is obtained, the nurse should follow these guidelines: Do not obtain during the woman’s menses or if a heavy infectious discharge is present. Instruct the woman not to douche, have intercourse, or put anything into the vagina within 24 hours before collecting the specimens. Any specimens will be obtained during the visit, not beforehand.

Question 31

During an examination, which tests will the nurse collect to screen for cervical cancer?

a. Endocervical specimen, cervical scrape, and vaginal pool
b. Endocervical specimen, vaginal pool, and acetic acid wash
c. Cervical scrape, acetic acid wash, saline mount (wet prep)
d. Endocervical specimen, potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation, and acetic acid wash

Answer 31

ANS: A

Laboratories may vary in method, but usually the test consists of three specimens: endocervical specimen, cervical scrape, and vaginal pool. The other tests (acetic acid wash, KOH preparation, and saline mount) are used to test for sexually transmitted infections.

Question 32

When performing the bimanual examination, the nurse notices that the cervix feels smooth and firm, is round, and is fixed in place (does not move). When cervical palpation is performed, the patient complains of some pain. How should the nurse interpret these findings?

a. These findings are all within normal limits.
b. Pain may occur during palpation of the cervix.
c. Cervical consistency should be soft and velvety—not firm.
d. The cervix should move when palpated; an immobile cervix may indicate malignancy.

Answer 32

ANS: D

Normally the cervix feels smooth and firm, similar to the consistency of the tip of the nose. It softens and feels velvety at 5 to 6 weeks of pregnancy (Goodell sign). The cervix should be evenly rounded. With a finger on either side, the examiner should be able
to move the cervix gently from side to side, and doing so should produce no pain for the patient. Hardness of the cervix may occur with malignancy. Immobility may occur with malignancy, and pain may occur with inflammation or ectopic pregnancy.

Question 33

The nurse is palpating a female patient’s adnexa. The findings include a firm, smooth uterine wall; the ovaries are palpable and feel smooth and firm. The fallopian tube is firm and pulsating. How should the nurse proceed?
a. Tell the patient that her examination is normal.
b. Give her an immediate referral to a gynecologist.
c. Suggest that she return in a month for a recheck to verify the findings.
d. Tell the patient that she may have an ovarian cyst that should be evaluated
further.

Answer 33

ANS: B

Normally the uterine wall feels firm and smooth, with the contour of the fundus rounded. Ovaries are not often palpable, but when they are, they normally feel smooth, firm, and almond shaped and are highly movable, sliding through the fingers. The fallopian tube is not normally palpable. No other mass or pulsation should be felt. Pulsation or palpable fallopian tube suggests ectopic
pregnancy, which warrants immediate referral.

Question 34

A 65-year-old woman is in the office for routine gynecologic care. She had a complete hysterectomy 3 months ago after cervical cancer was detected. Which statement does the nurse know to be true regarding this visit?

a. Her cervical mucosa will be red and dry looking.
b. She will not need to have a Pap smear performed.
c. The nurse can expect to find that her uterus will be somewhat enlarged and her ovaries small and hard.
d. The nurse should plan to lubricate the instruments and the examining hand adequately to avoid a painful examination.

Answer 34

ANS: D

In the aging adult woman, natural lubrication is decreased; therefore, to avoid a painful examination, the nurse should take care to lubricate the instruments and the examining hand adequately. Menopause, with the resulting decrease in estrogen production,
shows numerous physical changes. The cervix shrinks and looks pale and glistening. With the bimanual examination, the uterus feels smaller and firmer and the ovaries are not normally palpable. Women should continue cervical cancer screening up to age 65
years if they have an intact cervix and are in good health. Women who have had a total hysterectomy do not need cervical cancer screening if they have 3 consecutive negative Pap tests or 2 or more consecutive negative HIV and Pap tests within the last 10 years.

Question 35

The nurse is preparing to examine the external genitalia of a school-age girl. Which position would be most appropriate in this situation?

a. In the parent’s lap
b. In a frog-leg position on the examining table
c. In the lithotomy position with the feet in stirrups
d. Lying flat on the examining table with legs extended

Answer 35

ANS: B

For school-age children, placing them on the examining table in a frog-leg position is best. With toddlers and preschoolers, having the child on the parent’s lap in a frog-leg position is best.

Question 36

When assessing a newborn infant’s genitalia, the nurse notices that the genitalia are somewhat engorged. The labia majora are swollen, the clitoris looks large, and the hymen is thick. The vaginal opening is difficult to visualize. The infant’s mother states that
she is worried about the labia being swollen. How should the nurse reply?

a. “This is a normal finding in newborns and should resolve within a few weeks.”
b. “This finding could indicate an abnormality and may need to be evaluated by a physician.”
c. “We will need to have estrogen levels evaluated to ensure that they are within normal limits.”
d. “We will need to keep close watch over the next few days to see if the genitalia decrease in size.”

Answer 36

ANS: A

It is normal for a newborn’s genitalia to be somewhat engorged. A sanguineous vaginal discharge or leukorrhea is normal during the first few weeks because of the maternal estrogen effect. During the early weeks, the genital engorgement resolves, and the labia
minora atrophy and remain small until puberty.

Question 37

During a vaginal examination of a 38-year-old woman, the nurse notices that the vulva and vagina are erythematous and edematous with thick, white, curdlike discharge adhering to the vaginal walls. The woman reports intense pruritus and thick white discharge from her vagina. The nurse knows that these history and physical examination findings are most consistent with which condition?

a. Candidiasis
b. Trichomoniasis
c. Atrophic vaginitis
d. Bacterial vaginosis

Answer 37

ANS: A

The woman with candidiasis often reports intense pruritus and thick white discharge. The vulva and vagina are erythematous and edematous. The discharge is usually thick, white, and curdlike. Infection with trichomoniasis causes a profuse, watery, gray-green, and frothy discharge. Bacterial vaginosis causes a profuse discharge that has a “foul, fishy, rotten” odor. Atrophic vaginitis may have a mucoid discharge.

Question 38

A 22-year-old woman is being seen at the clinic for problems with vulvar pain, dysuria, and fever. On physical examination, the nurse notices clusters of small, shallow vesicles with surrounding erythema on the labia. Inguinal lymphadenopathy is also present. What do these findings indicate?

a. HPV
b. Pediculosis pubis
c. Contact dermatitis
d. Herpes simplex virus type 2

Answer 38

ANS: D

Herpes simplex virus type 2 exhibits clusters of small, shallow vesicles with surrounding erythema that erupt on the genital areas. Inguinal lymphadenopathy is also present. The woman reports local pain, dysuria, and fever. HPV presents with pink or flesh-colored, soft, points, moist, painless warty papules on the external genitalia. Pediculosis pubis presents with severe perineal itching and excoriations and erythematous areas on the external genitalia. May see little dark spots (lice are small), nits (eggs), or lice adherent to pubic hair near roots. Contact dermatitis presents as red, swollen vesicles with severe itching that may be a result from contact with an allergenic substance. There may be weeping lesions, crusts, scales, thickening of ski, and excoriations from scratching.

Question 39

When performing an external genitalia examination of a 10-year-old girl, the nurse notices that no pubic hair has grown in and the mons and the labia are covered with fine vellus hair. According to the Sexual Maturity Rating scale, what stage of sexual maturity do these findings indicate?

a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4

Answer 39

ANS: A

Sexual Maturity Rating stage 1 is the preadolescent stage. There is no pubic hair, and the mons and labia are covered with fine, vellus hair as on the abdomen. In stage 2 hair growth is sparse and mostly on the labia; long, downy hair, slightly pigmented, straight or only slightly curly. In stage 3 hair growth is sparse and spreading over mons pubis. Hair is darker, coarser, and curlier. In stage 4 hair is adult in type but over smaller area, none on medial thigh.

Question 40

A 46-year-old woman is in the clinic for her annual gynecologic examination. She voices concern about ovarian cancer because her mother and sister died of it. Which statement does the nurse know to be correct regarding ovarian cancer?

a. Ovarian cancer rarely has any symptoms.
b. The Pap smear detects the presence of ovarian cancer.
c. Women over age 40 years should have a thorough pelvic examination every 3 years.
d. Women at high risk for ovarian cancer should have annual transvaginal
ultrasonography for screening.

Answer 40

ANS: D

With ovarian cancer, the patient may have abdominal pain, pelvic pain, increased abdominal size, bloating, and nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms; or she may be asymptomatic. The Pap smear does not detect the presence of ovarian cancer. Annual transvaginal ultrasonography may detect ovarian cancer at an earlier stage in women who are at high risk for developing it.

Question 41

During a bimanual examination, the nurse detects a solid tumor on the ovary that is heavy and fixed, with a poorly defined mass. What does this finding suggest?

a. Ovarian cyst
b. Endometriosis
c. Ovarian cancer
d. Ectopic pregnancy

Answer 41

ANS: C
Ovarian tumors that are solid, heavy, and fixed, with poorly defined mass are suggestive of malignancy. Benign masses may feel mobile and solid. An ovarian cyst may feel smooth, round, fluctuant, mobile, and nontender. With an ectopic pregnancy, the examiner may feel a palpable, tender pelvic mass that is solid, mobile, and unilateral. Endometriosis may have masses (in various locations in the pelvic area) that are small, firm, nodular, and tender to palpation, with enlarged ovaries.

Question 42

A 25-year-old woman comes to the emergency department with a sudden fever of 38.3° C and abdominal pain. Upon examination, the nurse notices that she has rigid, boardlike lower abdominal musculature. When the nurse tries to perform a vaginal examination, the patient has severe pain when the uterus and cervix are moved. What do these findings suggest?

a. Endometriosis
b. Uterine fibroids
c. Ectopic pregnancy
d. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Answer 42

ANS: D
These signs and symptoms are suggestive of acute pelvic inflammatory disease, also known as acute salpingitis. Endometriosis may have masses (in various locations in the pelvic area) that are small, firm, nodular, and tender to palpation, with enlarged ovaries. Uterine fibroids often are asymptomatic. Symptoms that may occur included vague discomfort, bloating, heaviness, pelvic pressure, dyspareunia, urinary frequency backache or excessive uterine bleeding. The uterus may be irregularly enlarged, firm, mobile and nodular with hard, painless nodules in the uterine wall. An ectopic pregnancy presents with sharp, stabbing abdominal or pelvic pain, vaginal spotting or new-onset bleeding, and positive pregnancy test. There will likely be a softening of the cervix and fundus; movement of cervix and uterus causes pain; and palpable tender, round mobile swelling, lateral to uterus.

Question 43

During an external genitalia examination of a woman, the nurse notices several lesions around the vulva. The lesions are pink, moist, soft, and pointed papules. The patient states that she is not aware of any problems in that area. What do these findings likely indicate?

a. Syphilitic chancre
b. HPV or genital warts
c. Pediculosis pubis (crab lice)
d. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (herpes genitalis)

Answer 43

ANS: B

HPV lesions are painless, warty growths that the woman may not notice. Lesions are pink or flesh colored, soft, pointed, moist, warty papules that occur in single or multiple cauliflower-like patches around the vulva, introitus, anus, vagina, or cervix. Herpetic lesions are painful clusters of small, shallow vesicles with surrounding erythema. Syphilitic chancres begin as a solitary silvery papule that erodes into a red, round or oval superficial ulcer with a yellowish discharge. Pediculosis pubis causes severe perineal itching and excoriations and erythematous areas.

Question 44

During an examination, how would the nurse expect the cervical os of a woman who has never had children to appear?

a. Everted
b. Stellate
c. Small and round
d. As a horizontal irregular slit

Answer 44

ANS: C

The cervical os in a nulliparous woman is small and round. In the parous woman, it is a horizontal, irregular slit that also may show healed lacerations on the sides. It does not appear stellate (resembling a star shape) or everted (rolled out).

Question 45

A woman has just been diagnosed with HPV or genital warts. The nurse should counsel her to receive regular examinations because this virus makes her at a higher risk for what type of cancer?

a. Uterine
b. Cervical
c. Ovarian
d. Endometrial

Answer 45

ANS: B

HPV is the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer, not the other options.

Question 46

During an internal examination, the nurse notices that the cervix bulges outside the introitus when the patient is asked to strain. How should the nurse document this finding?

a. A normal finding
b. Uterine prolapse, graded first degree
c. Uterine prolapse, graded third degree
d. Uterine prolapse, graded second degree

Answer 46

ANS: D

The cervix should not be found to bulge into the vagina. Uterine prolapse is graded as follows: first degree—the cervix appears at the introitus with straining; second degree—the cervix bulges outside the introitus with straining; and third degree—the whole
uterus protrudes, even without straining (essentially, the uterus is inside out).

Question 47

A 35-year-old woman is at the clinic for a gynecologic examination. During the examination, she asks the nurse, “How often do I need to have this Pap test done?” Which reply by the nurse is correct?

a. “It depends. Do you smoke?”
b. “A Pap test needs to be performed annually until you are 65 years of age.”
c. “If you have two consecutive normal Pap tests, then you can wait 5 years between tests.”
d. “After age 30 years, if you have three consecutive normal Pap tests, then you may be screened every 2 to 3 years.”

Answer 47

ANS: D

Cervical cancer screening with the Pap test continues annually until age 30 years. After age 21, regardless of sexual history or activity, women should be screened every 3 years until age 30, then every 5 years until age 65.

Question 48

The nurse is palpating an ovarian mass during an internal examination of a 63-year-old woman. Which findings of the mass’s characteristics would suggest the presence of an ovarian cyst? (Select all that apply.)

a. Fixed
b. Poorly defined
c. Heavy and solid
d. Mobile and solid
e. Smooth and round
f. Mobile and fluctuant

Answer 48

ANS: E, F

An ovarian cyst (fluctuant ovarian mass) is usually asymptomatic and would feel like a smooth, round, fluctuant, mobile, nontender mass on the ovary. A mass that is heavy, solid, fixed, and poorly defined suggests malignancy. A benign mass may feel mobile and
solid.