WHNP-BC key terms

Standardized reporting framework for cervical cytology that states specimen adequacy, gives a descriptive interpretation, and specifies whether squamous or glandular abnormalities are present, guiding decisions about HPV testing, colposcopy, or repeat screening.

Magnified examination of the cervix, vagina, and vulva after acetic acid and iodine application, used to identify acetowhite lesions and abnormal vascular patterns and to direct biopsies of tissue suspicious for dysplasia or cancer.

Molecular assay that detects high-risk human papillomavirus types in cervical specimens; used alone or with cytology for primary screening, to triage abnormal cytology, and to follow patients after treatment of precancer.

Office procedure that samples the uterine lining with a thin suction catheter to identify endometrial hyperplasia, atypia, or carcinoma, most often performed for abnormal uterine bleeding or any postmenopausal bleeding.

Cervical cytology that collects exfoliated cells from the transformation zone to detect precancerous and cancerous changes, usually combined with high-risk HPV co-testing in women aged 30 to 65.

Low-dose radiographic imaging of the breast used for screening and diagnostic evaluation; most guidelines recommend starting between ages 40 and 50 and continuing while life expectancy remains substantial.

Recombinant vaccine given in early adolescence, and through the mid-twenties for those not previously vaccinated, that prevents infection with the human papillomavirus types causing most cervical and other anogenital cancers.

Daily 400 micrograms of folic acid begun before conception and continued through the first trimester to reduce neural tube defects; higher doses are used after an affected pregnancy or with certain medications.

Visit that reviews pregnancy intentions, chronic disease control, immunizations, medication safety, substance use, nutrition, and weight to optimize health and lower risk before conception occurs.

Routine private questioning about current or past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by a partner, paired with safety planning, resource referral, and documentation; recommended for women of reproductive age at periodic visits.

Bleeding that differs from normal in volume, duration, or frequency, including intermenstrual and postmenopausal bleeding; classified by the PALM-COEIN system into structural and nonstructural causes that direct evaluation.

Diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria when two of oligo-ovulation, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology are present; associated with insulin resistance, infertility, and endometrial hyperplasia.

Presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity causing cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility; diagnosis is usually clinical, with laparoscopy reserved for unclear or refractory cases.

Benign smooth muscle tumors of the myometrium that may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, bulk symptoms, and infertility; management ranges from observation to medical therapy, embolization, or surgery.

Polymicrobial vaginal dysbiosis marked by thin gray discharge, clue cells, elevated vaginal pH, and a fishy odor after potassium hydroxide; treated with oral metronidazole or intravaginal metronidazole or clindamycin.

Fungal infection, usually Candida albicans, producing vulvar itching, burning, and thick white discharge; confirmed by potassium hydroxide microscopy or culture when recurrent, and treated with topical azoles or oral fluconazole.

Ascending infection of the upper genital tract, most often from chlamydia or gonorrhea, presenting with pelvic pain, fever, and cervical motion or adnexal tenderness; prompt broad-spectrum antibiotics prevent infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

Pill containing an estrogen and a progestin that suppresses ovulation and thickens cervical mucus; taken daily, it is highly effective with consistent use and offers noncontraceptive benefits such as lighter, regular periods.

Methods requiring no ongoing user action, including copper and levonorgestrel intrauterine devices and the etonogestrel implant; typical-use failure rates are below one percent, making them the most effective reversible options.

Methods used after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy, including levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate pills and the copper intrauterine device, which is the most effective and can be placed up to five days afterward.

CDC guidance that assigns contraceptive methods to categories one through four for specific medical conditions, helping clinicians judge whether a method is safe, acceptable with caution, or contraindicated for a given patient.

Practice of giving prescriptions or medication to sex partners of a patient diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea without examining those partners, reducing reinfection and onward transmission when partner evaluation is unlikely.

New hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation accompanied by proteinuria or maternal organ dysfunction; it may progress to eclampsia or HELLP syndrome, and delivery remains the definitive treatment.

Glucose intolerance first recognized during pregnancy, usually screened for at 24 to 28 weeks; managed with nutrition, activity, glucose monitoring, and insulin or oral agents to reduce macrosomia and neonatal complications.

Intrapartum intravenous penicillin given to women colonized with group B Streptococcus to prevent neonatal sepsis and pneumonia; screening cultures are collected at 36 to 37 weeks of gestation.

Blood loss of at least 1000 mL, or bleeding accompanied by signs of hypovolemia, within 24 hours of birth; uterine atony is the leading cause and treatment includes massage, uterotonics, and volume resuscitation.

Antibody preparation given to RhD-negative women near 28 weeks and after abortion, amniocentesis, or delivery of an RhD-positive infant to prevent alloimmunization and hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Permanent cessation of menses from loss of ovarian follicular activity, diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without bleeding and no other cause; it typically occurs between ages 45 and 55.

Transitional years before menopause when ovarian function declines, producing irregular cycles, fluctuating hormone levels, and often vasomotor symptoms; contraception is still required during this stage.

Hot flashes and night sweats caused by estrogen withdrawal and altered hypothalamic thermoregulation; they are the most common menopausal complaint and respond to hormone therapy, SSRIs, and behavioral measures.

Vaginal dryness, burning, dyspareunia, and urinary urgency or recurrent infection caused by estrogen deficiency in vulvovaginal and lower urinary tissues; treated with vaginal estrogen, moisturizers, and lubricants.

Systemic estrogen, combined with a progestin when the uterus is present, used for bothersome vasomotor symptoms; it is the most effective treatment but requires individualized risk assessment and shared decision-making.

Low bone mass with deterioration of bone architecture that raises fracture risk, identified by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; postmenopausal women are at highest risk and benefit from calcium, vitamin D, and antiresorptive therapy.

Use of validated tools such as the PHQ-9 at well-woman and perinatal visits to detect depressive symptoms; a positive screen prompts suicide-risk assessment, further evaluation, and referral or treatment.

Hypothyroidism, often from Hashimoto thyroiditis, requires increased levothyroxine dosing during gestation to prevent miscarriage and impaired neurodevelopment; hyperthyroidism is most often caused by Graves disease.

Person-centered counseling style that elicits a patient's own reasons for change and strengthens confidence and commitment; commonly applied to smoking cessation, alcohol use, and weight management.

Collaborative conversation in which the clinician explains options, benefits, and harms while the patient's values and preferences shape the chosen plan, such as screening intervals, contraceptive choice, or menopausal therapy.

Legal obligation of clinicians to notify designated agencies about suspected child abuse, elder or dependent adult abuse, and specified communicable diseases, even when the patient objects or requests confidentiality.

Legal and ethical protection of minors' health information, particularly for contraception, sexually transmitted infection testing, and mental health care, which many jurisdictions allow minors to consent to without parental notification.