Week 2: Common Screenings for Women
Many screening procedures are often recommended and routinely used with women to detect diseases in the earliest stages possible. Consider Cindy, who was 28 years old when she received the results of her annual pap smear. The results of the test were abnormal, leading to a diagnosis of human papillomavirus (HPV). While Cindy’s type of HPV did not require treatment, subsequent annual pap smears were highly recommended due to risks associated with the disease. Five years later, after another round of abnormal screening results, Cindy was diagnosed with aggressive cervical cancer, which was then successfully treated (Tamika & Friends, Inc., 2011). For diseases like cervical cancer, screenings and early detection can save patients’ lives, as it did in Cindy’s case. As an advanced practice nurse caring for women, you must be able to provide recommendations for screening tests, interpret test results, and develop care plans that meet the unique needs of patients.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this week, students will:
