Nurse-midwifery evaluation and management of cervical pathology and the colposcopic examination.
Over the last several years, there has been a steady increase in the number of women experiencing abnormal Papanicolaou test results. Whether the nurse-midwife is performing a colposcopic examination or making a referral, she or he needs to have a clear understanding of cervical pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic management. This article provides the nurse-midwife with a basic review of the cytologic and histologic findings of the cervix, a description of the colposcopy procedure, observations, terminology, and follow-up treatment, and considerations for adding colposcopy to a nurse-midwifery practice.
Worthington
S
S
PPFA Nurse Practioner Program, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
Rubin
M
M
D000359:Aftercare / Q000379:methods; D020681:Colposcopes; D003127:Colposcopy / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D003663:Decision Trees; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009721:Nurse Midwives / Q000193:education; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012307:Risk Factors; D002577:Uterine Cervical Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*