A nurse in a clinic is obtaining a health history from a female client. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as a risk factor cervical cancer?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Type 1 diabetes mellitus: Type 1 diabetes is not directly linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer. While chronic illnesses can affect overall health, they are not specific risk factors for cervical neoplasia. B. Hypertension: Hypertension is a cardiovascular condition and does not contribute to the development of cervical cancer. It is not considered a risk factor in gynecologic oncology. C. History of STIs: A history of sexually transmitted infections, particularly human papillomavirus (HPV), is a major risk factor for cervical cancer. HPV infection can cause cellular changes in the cervix that may progress to malignancy if not detected and managed early. D. Nulliparity: While nulliparity has been associated with a slightly increased risk in some cancers, it is not as significant a risk factor for cervical cancer as HPV or other STIs. The primary focus in cervical cancer risk assessment is exposure to HPV.