Which step is performed before insertion to prepare the patient?

• A. Lubricate The Gloves With Sterile Water
• B. Instruct The Patient To Take A Deep Breath
• C. Ensure The Patient Is Draped And Relaxed
• D. Inform The Patient And Separate The Labia Minora

Answer: (D)

Preparing for a vaginal instrument insertion begins with communicating with the patient and gaining consent, which helps reduce anxiety and ensures cooperation. Once the patient is comfortable with what will happen, exposing the vaginal opening is the next essential step. Separating the labia minora creates a direct view and access to the introitus, allowing safe and proper insertion of the instrument.

Lubricating the gloves with sterile water isn’t standard practice, since gloves aren’t lubricated in that way and sterile lubricant is used on the instrument itself. Instructing the patient to take a deep breath can help with relaxation, but it doesn’t directly enable insertion. While draping and relaxing the patient are important parts of overall preparation, the step that directly enables access for insertion is separating the labia minora after informing the patient.