Today our topic of discussion is Procedure for Colposcopy.
Procedure for Colposcopy
Procedure
- A consent form should be signed
- Food and fluids are not restricted
- The client’s clothes should be removed, and the client should wear a gown and be properly draped
- The client assumes a lithotomy position (legs in stirrups). A speculum is inserted into the vagina, and a long, dry cotton swab applicator is used to clear away any cervical secretions. Another long cotton-swab applicator with saline may be used to swab the cervix for visualizing vascular patterns
- Acetic acid (3%) is applied to the vagina and cervix. This produces color changes in the cervical epithelium and helps in detecting abnormal changes a biopsy specimen of suspicious tissues and photographs may be taken. Pressure should be applied to control bleeding at the biopsy site, or cautery may be used
- A biopsy specimen of suspicious tissues and photographs may be taken. Pressure should be applied to control bleeding at biopsy site, or cautery may be used
- The test takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Post-procedural Care
- Inform the client that she may have some bleeding for a few hours because of the biopsy. Tell neither the client that she can use tempons and that if bleeding becomes heavy and it is nor her menstrual period, she should call the gynecologist
- Instruct the client not to have intercourse for a week until the biopsy side is healed or as ordered by the healthcare provider
- Inform the client that the doctor will notify her of the results, and tell her to call if she has not heard from the office in a week.
Factors Affecting Diagnostic Results
Mucous, cervical secretions, creams and medications can decrease visualization.
Client Teaching
- Inform the client that she should not experience pain but that there may be some discomfort with the insertion of the speculum or when the biopsy specimen is taken
- Tell the client that the test takes 15-20 minutes.
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