1
Cervical Cancer Screenings- Vignette 1
Bethany Poppe
Post University: American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Science
N582: Advanced Practice Nursing II: Women’s Health 2
Professor Danielle Atchley
24 May 2026
Cervical Cancer Screenings- Vignette 1
, 2
Question 1:
Establishing an environment where patients feel safe, respected, and free from judgment
is essential when taking a health history for cervical cancer screening, as recommended by the
Health Resources and Services Administration, Office of Women’s Health (2023). In the
vignettes, providers demonstrated patience, utilized open-ended questions, employed inclusive
language, allowed patients time to express themselves, and engaged in active listening, thereby
fostering a safe space for communication. For instance, providers invited patients to share prior
experiences or concerns regarding cervical exams, refrained from making assumptions about
sexual history, and allowed patients to direct the pace of the conversation. This approach fostered
understanding and trust, enabling discussion of reproductive health, sexual history, past medical
history, and experiences while respecting patient boundaries. Peitzmeier et al. (2020) further
emphasize that patients who have experienced stigma, marginalization, trauma, or discrimination
may find women’s health exams overwhelming, stressful, or frightening, and may avoid Pap
smears for cervical screenings altogether.
Approaching these conversations with curiosity and empathy establishes a foundation for
explaining the purpose of the visit before addressing sensitive topics. Clearly outlining the reason
for screening, the tools involved, and what to expect enables patients to understand the process,
ask questions, feel more in control, reduce anxiety, and build trust. In the vignettes, providers
inquired about prior experiences and the patient's understanding, allowing the patient to maintain
control over decision-making. Providers should avoid making assumptions about a patient’s
anatomy, sexual orientation, or reproductive choices. Instead, respectful, individualized
questions and rapport-building through active listening and validation are recommended
(LeBlanc et al., 2025).
Cervical Cancer Screenings- Vignette 1
Bethany Poppe
Post University: American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Science
N582: Advanced Practice Nursing II: Women’s Health 2
Professor Danielle Atchley
24 May 2026
Cervical Cancer Screenings- Vignette 1
, 2
Question 1:
Establishing an environment where patients feel safe, respected, and free from judgment
is essential when taking a health history for cervical cancer screening, as recommended by the
Health Resources and Services Administration, Office of Women’s Health (2023). In the
vignettes, providers demonstrated patience, utilized open-ended questions, employed inclusive
language, allowed patients time to express themselves, and engaged in active listening, thereby
fostering a safe space for communication. For instance, providers invited patients to share prior
experiences or concerns regarding cervical exams, refrained from making assumptions about
sexual history, and allowed patients to direct the pace of the conversation. This approach fostered
understanding and trust, enabling discussion of reproductive health, sexual history, past medical
history, and experiences while respecting patient boundaries. Peitzmeier et al. (2020) further
emphasize that patients who have experienced stigma, marginalization, trauma, or discrimination
may find women’s health exams overwhelming, stressful, or frightening, and may avoid Pap
smears for cervical screenings altogether.
Approaching these conversations with curiosity and empathy establishes a foundation for
explaining the purpose of the visit before addressing sensitive topics. Clearly outlining the reason
for screening, the tools involved, and what to expect enables patients to understand the process,
ask questions, feel more in control, reduce anxiety, and build trust. In the vignettes, providers
inquired about prior experiences and the patient's understanding, allowing the patient to maintain
control over decision-making. Providers should avoid making assumptions about a patient’s
anatomy, sexual orientation, or reproductive choices. Instead, respectful, individualized
questions and rapport-building through active listening and validation are recommended
(LeBlanc et al., 2025).
