Which screening test is done for Cervical cancer?

Appeared in: P.CHO-2019

Explanation

The question asks to identify the screening test for cervical cancer.
All three options listed—Pap smear, Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), and HPV testing—are established and recommended methods for cervical cancer screening.
The Pap smear detects abnormal cells, VIA visually identifies suspicious lesions, and HPV testing detects the virus that causes most cervical cancers.
Since all individual options are correct screening methods, the most comprehensive and accurate answer is 'All the above'.

Option A: While the Pap smear is a correct screening test, selecting this option alone is incomplete because other valid methods listed in the options are also used.
Option B: While Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) is a correct screening test, especially in low-resource settings, it is not the only one. The other listed options are also valid.
Option C: While HPV testing is a highly sensitive and recommended screening method, it is not the sole method. Pap smears and VIA are also used for screening.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Cervical Cancer Screening Methods as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in educating patients about the importance of regular cervical cancer screening and helping them understand the different test options.
Understanding the preparation required for a Pap smear (e.g., no douching, intercourse) is a key nursing responsibility to ensure accurate test results and prevent the need for repeat procedures.
In community health settings, nurses may be involved in implementing VIA screening programs due to its low cost and immediate results, enabling a 'screen-and-treat' approach.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the question carefully to identify the core topic: 'screening test for Cervical cancer'.
Next, evaluate each option individually. Is a Pap smear used for cervical cancer screening? Yes. Is VIA used? Yes. Is HPV testing used? Yes.
Recognize that this is a question type where multiple options are factually correct.
When you confirm that more than one of the individual options (A, B, C) is correct, look for an 'All the above' or 'None of the above' option.
Since options A, B, and C are all valid screening methods, 'All the above' is the most complete and correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 55-57

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 1000-1002

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1571-1573

Practise the full P.CHO-2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.