Papanicolaou Smear

Question 1

When is the preferred time for a patient to have a Pap Smear done?

Answer 1

2 weeks after the first day of their period

Question 2

What should a patient be instructed on prior to having a Pap smear?

Answer 2

Do not use vaginal medications, contraceptives, lubricants, or douches for 48 hours prior to the exam and no intercourse for 24 hours prior to the exam

Question 3

What should the practitioner collect prior to the bimaual exam?

Answer 3

Pap Smear (unless wet mount is needed) and other test (GC/CT)

Question 4

Where should the Pap smear sample be obtained from?

Answer 4

The transformational zone (t-zone) aka Squamo-columnar junction (SQJ)

Question 5

Factors that are associated with unsatisfactory Paps are:

Answer 5

1- postpartum
2- vaginal bleeding
3- endocervical polyps

Question 6

What do we inspect the vulva for? (7 items)

Answer 6

1- Skin Lesions
2- Masses
3- Drainage
4- Discolorations of the skin
5- Signs of trauma
6- Pubic hair distribution
7- Insect movement

Question 7

What do we inspect the external cervical os for? (7 items)

Answer 7

1- masses
2- lesions
3- discharge
4- leukoplakia
5- erythema
6- erosions
7- ulcers

Question 8

This is the circular area right at the opening of the cervix where the pink, smooth skin of the cervix meets the fiery red, fragile, mucous producing lining of the cervical canal. This is the area where cancer or precancerous changes are most likely to develop.

Answer 8

Squamo-columnar junction (SQJ)

Question 9

If you do not have a cytologic spray, what would be comparable for use of fixating the slide?

Answer 9

Anything that is high in acetone

Question 10

What is the needed time frame to spray a slide to fixate it?

Answer 10

10-15 seconds

Question 11

What are the two important questions to ask prior to doing a bimanual exam?

Answer 11

1- Are you pregnant?

2- Would you like to empty your bladder?