Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Exam Prep

Answer: A - Clue cells on microscopic examination of wet mount, the presence of an amine odor when vaginal discharge is mixed with KOH 10%, an increased amount of white, homogeneous vaginal discharge, and a vaginal pH of >4.5 describe the Amsel criteria used to diagnose bacterial vaginosis.

Any three of the four findings must be present in order to make the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. The presence of hyphae on microscopic examination of wet mount indicates candida. Likewise, the finding of white, clumpy vaginal discharge is characteristic of candida. A vaginal pH of >4.5 is pathologic.