Chapter 13: Diagnostic tests
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Post‐procedural considerations
Immediate care
Ensure patient modesty is maintained throughout and directly after the examination. To maintain privacy and dignity, the nurse should leave the room while the patient gets undressed and dressed, and advise her to call when ready (RCN [201]).
Ongoing care
The nurse should explain when and how the results will be communicated to the woman, and in the event of abnormal results how her care will progress (RCN [204]). It is important that the nurse considers how the patient may react if abnormal results are to be delivered and ensures necessary support (RCN [201]).
Documentation
The nurse should ensure that the request form has been adequately completed and that the samples are also labelled correctly and accurately. If other microbiological tests are conducted, ensure that the correct forms are completed and that the samples are labelled, and document any findings and resulting actions (RCN [204]).
Education of the patient and relevant others
It is not unusual for a patient to experience some spotting after a cervical smear. This must be explained to the patient to ensure she is aware and knows not to worry. The nurse should promote health education programmes and encourage screening to those who are eligible, such as by providing accurate information and advice on the prevention of cervical cancer. Information leaflets should be offered to patients to ensure they have the appropriate information (RCN [204]).
