Question

Mrs. Jones had an abnormal pap smear and was scheduled to have a cervical biopsy. When using acetic acid, the abnormal cervical tissue will ______________.

a. Turn white
b. Turn yellow
c. Turn blue
d. Remain unchanged

Answer 1

In a cervical biopsy using acetic acid, abnormal cervical tissue will turn white, which allows for identification of areas that may require further analysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

When using acetic acid during a cervical biopsy, the abnormal cervical tissue will turn white. This reaction is commonly referred to as an acetowhite reaction and is used as a diagnostic tool to highlight areas of abnormal tissue growth that may require further examination. By applying acetic acid to the cervix, areas with abnormal cell growth or pre-cancerous conditions may become visible to the healthcare provider, who can then take a targeted biopsy for more definitive analysis.