What should a nurse include when teaching about the Papanicolaou (Pap) test?

The correct response highlights the importance of patient preparation for a Papanicolaou (Pap) test. Advising patients to avoid sexual intercourse for 24 hours prior to the test is crucial because such activities can alter the cervical cells and potentially lead to an inaccurate test result. This recommendation helps to ensure that the cells collected during the Pap test are representative of the cervical condition and not affected by external factors.

In contrast, some of the other options lack accuracy regarding Pap test guidelines and protocols. Regularly recommending yearly Pap tests until 70 years of age does not align with current screening guidelines, which suggest that women aged 30 to 65 may have a Pap test every three years or, if combined with HPV testing, every five years. Additionally, even after undergoing oophorectomy (ovary removal), Pap tests may still be necessary based on individual health histories, particularly if the cervix remains intact. Lastly, while the Pap test is primarily designed to screen for cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells, it does not directly detect viral infections; rather, HPV testing is implemented for that purpose.

Therefore, avoiding sexual intercourse prior to the test is an important component of patient education, ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of the Pap test results.