1. The client/caregiver will define genital HPV infection.
    1. It is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
    2. HPV can refer to a group of viruses that include more than 100 different strains or types.
    3. It infects the genital area of men and women, including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina), anus, and lining of the vagina, cervix, or rectum.
    4. Some people have precancerous changes in the cervix, vulva, anus, or penis.
  2. The client/caregiver can list symptoms of HPV infections.
    1. Most people infected with HPV will not have any symptoms, and the infection will clear on its own.
    2. Some of the viruses are called “high-risk” types and may cause abnormal Pap tests. They may also lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis.
    3. Other viruses are called “low-risk” types. They may cause mild Pap test abnormalities or genital warts.
    4. Genital warts are
      1. Soft, moist, pink, or flesh-colored swellings, usually in the genital area
      2. Raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large, and sometimes cauliflower shaped
      3. Growths on the vulva, in or around the vagina or anus, on the cervix, on the penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh
  3. The client/caregiver can show how to diagnose HPV infections.
    1. Genital warts are diagnosed by visual inspection.
    2. Most women are diagnosed on the basis of abnormal Pap tests.
    3. No HPV tests are available for men.
  4. The client/caregiver can list treatment and prevention measures for HPV infections.
    1. Warts are removed. This does not cure the infection, and new outbreaks may occur.
    2. The Centers for Disease Control recommends patient-applied medications to help treat the symptoms of lesions.
    3. Routine Pap tests and careful medical follow-up to monitor cervical infections are important.
    4. Recommend HIV testing and routine Pap tests are important.
    5. Partner should be notified.

Resources

Community Health Clinic

Healthy People 2010www.health.gov/healthypeople

Centers for Disease Control and Preventionwww.cdc.gov/std/

References

Ackley, B. J., & Ladwig, G. B. (2006). Nursing diagnosis handbook: A guide to planning care. Philadelphia: Mosby Inc.

Cohen, B. J., & Taylor, J. J. (2005). Memmler’s the human body in health and disease (10th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Hunt, R. 2005. Introduction to community based nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Perry, A., & Potter, P. (2006). Clinical nursing skills & technique. St. Louis: Mosby Inc.

Timby, B. K., & Smith, N. C. (2003). Introductory medical-surgical nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott

Credits

Client Teaching Guides for Home Health Care, 2nd ed.

© 2008 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.

www.jbpub.com

Get Professional Care from the Hands of Clinicians

With the expertise and experience our professionals have, trust that we can address each of your concerns in the best way possible.

Set an Appointment