During a health history, a 22-year-old woman asks, “Can I get that vaccine for human papilloma virus (HPV)? I have genital warts and I’d like them to go away!” What is the nurse’s best response?

Choice A reason: Checking with the physician delays addressing the patient’s misunderstanding. The HPV vaccine does not treat existing infections or warts, as it is preventive, making this response less direct and informative than needed. Choice B reason: The HPV vaccine is not limited to those not yet sexually active; it is recommended up to age 26, even for those with sexual history. This statement is outdated and incorrect, as vaccination can still benefit some with prior exposure. Choice C reason: The HPV vaccine prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or genital warts, which are caused by specific HPV strains. Since the patient already has warts, the vaccine won’t help, making this the correct response. Choice D reason: While the HPV vaccine is approved for ages 9–26, it does not treat existing infections or warts. Starting it without clarifying its preventive role misleads the patient, making this an incorrect and misleading response.