Question

A nurse practitioner would expect a patient with bacterial vaginosis to have a vaginal pH of:

a. 3.5-4.0
b. 4.0-4.5
c. 4.5 or great
d. Less than 3.5

Answer 1

A nurse practitioner would expect a patient with bacterial vaginosis to have a vaginal pH of 4.5 or greater, as the condition results from a decrease in lactobacilli which maintain an acidic environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse practitioner would expect a patient with bacterial vaginosis to have a vaginal pH of 4.5 or greater. This condition is characterized by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, leading to a decrease in lactobacilli, which are crucial for maintaining an acidic environment in the vagina and inhibiting pathogenic microbes. The genus Lactobacillus is particularly important for a healthy vaginal pH, as these bacteria produce lactic acid, normally keeping the pH below 4.5. When these beneficial bacteria are outnumbered, the pH rises, creating an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive, leading to bacterial vaginosis.