During a vaginal examination of a 38-year-old woman, the nurse notices that the vulva and vagina are erythematous and edematous with thick, white, curdlike discharge adhering to the vaginal walls. The woman reports intense pruritus and thick white discharge from her vagina. The nurse knows that these history and physical examination findings are most consistent with which condition?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: The key clues in the question are thick, white, curdlike discharge, intense pruritus, erythematous, and edematous vulva and vagina. Step 2: These symptoms are classic for candidiasis, a fungal infection caused by Candida species. Step 3: Candidiasis commonly presents with thick, white discharge, itching, and inflamed vaginal tissues. Step 4: Trichomoniasis (choice B) typically presents with frothy, greenish-yellow discharge and vaginal itching. Step 5: Atrophic vaginitis (choice C) is more common in postmenopausal women and presents with thin, watery discharge and vaginal dryness. Step 6: Bacterial vaginosis (choice D) presents with thin, grayish-white discharge and a fishy odor. Step 7: Therefore, based on the symptoms described in the question, the correct answer is A: Candidiasis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Refer the patient to a gynecologist for further evaluation. Given the characteristics of the mass (hard, irregular, fixed), it raises concerns for possible malignancy. Referring the patient to a gynecologist allows for a specialist to conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include additional imaging studies and biopsies to determine the nature of the mass. Monitoring the mass (choice A) without further evaluation may delay potential diagnosis and treatment. Obtaining a biopsy (choice C) without proper evaluation by a specialist may not be appropriate at this stage. Performing a pelvic ultrasound (choice D) can provide additional information but may not be sufficient for a definitive diagnosis of malignancy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Trichomoniasis. A Pap smear can detect abnormal changes in the cervix caused by Trichomoniasis, which is a common STI. The test can identify the presence of the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. The other choices, A: Chlamydia, B: Gonorrhea, and D: HPV, cannot be detected through a Pap smear as they require specific tests such as urine tests, swab tests, or blood tests. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are bacterial infections, while HPV is a viral infection that can lead to cervical cancer but is not detectable through a Pap smear alone.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The glomeruli and Bowman's capsules are found in the renal cortex. The renal cortex is the outer layer of the kidney where the initial stages of urine formation occur. Glomeruli are clusters of capillaries responsible for filtering blood, while Bowman's capsules surround the glomeruli and collect the filtrate. The renal pelvis (A) is the innermost part of the kidney where urine collects before entering the ureter (B). Renal columns (D) are extensions of the renal cortex that project into the renal medulla. Therefore, the correct answer is C as it accurately locates the structures involved in urine filtration.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Collecting Ducts - Secretion of water. Collecting ducts are responsible for reabsorption of water, not secretion. The other choices are correctly paired: A) Glomerulus filters blood, C) Loop of Henle reabsorbs water, D) Proximal Convoluted Tubules reabsorb ions and solutes. Collecting ducts play a crucial role in concentrating urine by reabsorbing water under the influence of hormones like ADH.