Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

After the application of acetic acid, HPV lesions appear as which of the following?

1. Inflamed red lesions

2. Acetowhite changes

3. Darkened black lesions

4. Scabbed areas

The correct answer is: Acetowhite changes

The appearance of HPV lesions after the application of acetic acid is characterized by acetowhite changes. Acetic acid is used in a clinical setting, particularly during examinations for HPV (human papillomavirus) related lesions, because it has the ability to highlight areas of abnormal cell growth. When acetic acid is applied, it causes dehydration of the epithelial cells that have been affected by the HPV virus. This process leads to a change in color of those lesions, resulting in a white appearance. In contrast, inflamed red lesions may indicate a different type of tissue response and do not specifically correlate to the presence of HPV. Darkened black lesions might suggest necrosis or other pathologies, which are not the outcome of acetic acid application in this context. Scabbed areas also imply healing or injury rather than the immediate effects of acetic acid on HPV lesions. Understanding this reaction is crucial for healthcare providers as it assists in the assessment and potential treatment of HPV-related conditions.