A 45-year-old patient who received cryosurgery for a local stage 0 cervical tumor is listening to the instructions given by the nurse. The nurse appropriately tells the patient that:

Explanation

•Cryosurgery is a technique for freezing and killing abnormal cells. Cervical cryosurgery is a gynecological procedure that freezes a section of the cervix. Considering the anatomical area of the body in which the procedure is done, it is appropriate to advise the patient to avoid tub baths for several weeks due to the risk of infection.

•Cryosurgery is not a treatment for cervical cancer but it can be done to destroy abnormal cervical cells that show changes that may possibly lead to cancer.

•Mild pain is expected for several days following this procedure. Clear, watery discharge can occur for several weeks and is considered normal.

•Tampons should be avoided while discharge is present, instead, the patient should use pads.

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