Final answer:
The nurse practitioner should advise the patient with AS-CUS results to get an HPV test to check for the presence of the human papillomavirus. A Pap smear and HPV test are advised together to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's cervical health and better detect any risks of cancer at a treatable stage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The patient's results showing AS-CUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) suggest that there are abnormal cells present, but it is not clear whether they are associated with an HPV infection or another cause. Therefore, the nurse practitioner should advise the patient that additional testing, specifically an HPV test, is recommended to assess for the presence of the human papillomavirus, which is known to be a major risk factor for cervical cancer.
Michelle's physician orders a Pap smear alongside the HPV test because a Pap smear can identify abnormal cervical cells which may suggest precancerous conditions or cancer. Meanwhile, the HPV test looks for the virus itself. Conducting both tests provides a more comprehensive evaluation, as the presence of HPV significantly increases the risk of cervical cancer. Even if both tests are negative, vaccination against HPV is advisable to reduce the risk of future infections and associated health issues.
The recommendation to perform both tests stems from the fact that no single test can provide a full picture of a patient's risk. The combination of a Pap smear and an HPV test is a more reliable approach for detecting potential problems at an early and treatable stage.