A client reports experiencing vaginal dryness and atrophy. The nurse suspects atrophic vaginitis (AV) Which assessment finding supports this suspicion?

Choice A rationale:

Avoiding sexual intercourse is not necessary for preventing vulvovaginitis. Maintaining good hygiene and other preventive measures are more relevant.

Choice B rationale:

Using scented soaps for cleansing can actually increase the risk of vulvovaginal irritation and infections. Unscented, gentle cleansers are recommended.

Choice C rationale:

Limiting sexual partners helps reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can lead to vulvovaginitis.

Choice D rationale:

Douching regularly is not advised, as it disrupts the natural balance of vaginal flora and increases the risk of infections and irritation.

Choice A rationale:

Anaerobic bacteria are not responsible for the described symptoms. They typically cause foul-smelling discharge with a different consistency.

Choice B rationale:

Fungi, such as Candida species, commonly cause vaginal candidiasis, which presents with thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge. This matches the client's symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Protozoa, like Trichomonas vaginalis, usually lead to a frothy, greenish-yellow discharge with a foul odor, which doesn't align with the client's presentation.

Choice D rationale:

Low estrogen levels would not directly cause this type of discharge. They might lead to vaginal dryness and thinning of vaginal walls, but not the specific discharge described.

Choice E rationale:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) doesn't typically cause the described discharge. It's associated with genital warts and cervical changes but not with this type of discharge.