Question: In the context of preventive care, what is the primary purpose of a Pap smear? In the context of preventive care, what is the primary purpose of a Pap smear? To identify abnormal cervical cells and early signs of cervical cancer. To assess the fertility status of a woman. To monitor hormonal changes during pregnancy. To diagnose sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in women. To detect the presence of antibodies against human papillomavirus (HPV).