In using the ophthalmoscope to assess a patient’s eyes, the nurse notices a red glow in the patient’s pupils. Based on this finding, what should the nurse do?

Choice A reason: Low parity (few pregnancies) is not a primary risk factor for cervical cancer; high parity may be. Multiple sexual partners increase HPV exposure, the main cause, so this is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Endometriosis affects the uterus, not the cervix, and isn’t linked to cervical cancer. HPV from multiple partners is the key risk, so this is incorrect for the discussion.

Choice C reason: Multiple sexual partners increase the risk of HPV infection, the primary cause of cervical cancer. This is the most significant risk factor, making it the correct focus for teaching teens.

Choice D reason: Obesity is linked to some cancers but not strongly to cervical cancer. HPV exposure via multiple partners is the dominant risk, so this is incorrect for the nurse’s discussion.

Choice A reason: Checking the ophthalmoscope’s light source is unnecessary unless the device malfunctions. The red glow is a normal finding, reflecting light off the retina’s blood vessels, not indicating equipment issues, making this an inappropriate action.

Choice B reason: The red glow, or red reflex, is a normal finding during ophthalmoscopy, caused by light reflecting off the vascular retina. It indicates a clear optical pathway, ruling out opacities like cataracts, making this the correct action to document as normal.

Choice C reason: An opacity in the lens or cornea (e.g., cataract or corneal scar) would block the red reflex, causing a dark or absent glow. The presence of a red glow indicates a clear media, making this suspicion incorrect.

Choice D reason: Stopping the exam and referring the patient is unwarranted, as the red glow is a normal finding. Referral is only needed for abnormal findings like absent reflex or opacities, making this an unnecessary and incorrect action.