Fundamentals Ch.34 - Sexuality w/ Rationale

The nurse is providing community education about how the sexual response changes with age. Which statement made by one of the adults indicates the need for further information? 1. "Health problems such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hypertension have little effect on sexual functioning and desire." 2. "It usually takes longer for both sexes to reach an orgasm." 3. "Most of the normal changes in function are related to alteration in circulation and hormone levels." 4. "Many medications can interfere with sexual function."

Answer: 1. "Health problems such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hypertension have little effect on sexual functioning and desire." Rationale: Pathological processes can interfere with sexual function and desire. Changes in circulation, neurological pathways, and hormone levels account for many of the normal physiological changes that occur with the aging process. Common medications such as diuretics, antihypertensives, antianxiety medications, and antidepressants can contribute to sexual dysfunction. Older males and females take longer to reach orgasm, and the refractory period lengthens.

The nurse is gathering a history from a 72-year-old male patient being admitted to a nursing home. The patient requests a private room. The nurse understands that: 1. The patient cannot be sexually active since he is moving into a nursing home. 2. The patient may be requesting a private room to facilitate an intimate relationship with his partner. 3. There is no need to take a sexual history since most older adults are uncomfortable discussing intimate details of their lives. 4. Older adults in nursing homes usually do not participate in sexual activity

Answer: 2. The patient may be requesting a private room to facilitate an intimate relationship with his partner. Rationale: Studies have shown an increase in sexual dysfunction with aging but no decrease in sexual activity or interest. Sometimes sexual health is not addressed by the nurse, but it is important to include a sexual history as a routine aspect of assessment to communicate that sexual activity is normal. Long-term care facilities need to make arrangements to allow for continuation of sexual experiences of residents as long as no health risks are involved.

The nurse is providing education on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to a group of older adults. The nurse knows that further teaching is needed when the participants make which statements? (Select all that apply) 1. "I don't need to use condoms since there is no risk for pregnancy." 2. "I should be screened for an STI each time I'm with a new partner." 3. "I know I'm not infected because I don't have discharge or sores." 4. "I was tested for STIs last year, so I know I'm not infected." 5. "The infection rate in older adults is low because most are not sexually active."

Answer: 1. "I don't need to use condoms since there is no risk for pregnancy." 3. "I know I'm not infected because I don't have discharge or sores." 4. "I was tested for STIs last year, so I know I'm not infected." 5. "The infection rate in older adults is low because most are not sexually active." Rationale: One of the challenges in reducing the incidence of STIs is that most STIs have few symptoms in males or females. Asymptomatic STIs can be diagnosed during a physical examination with appropriate laboratory tests. Older adults may engage in risky sexual behaviors because of lack of knowledge about STIs and condom usage. Research indicates that older adults are remaining sexually active longer than previously believed and the incidence of STI and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections has steadily increased for the past 12 years. Screening after each new sex partner is the most effective method to detect and manage STIs, so this statement shows understanding of the teaching by the patient.

An adolescent who is pregnant for the first time is at her initial prenatal visit. The women's health nurse practitioner (WHNP) informs the patient that she will be screening her for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The patient replies, "I know I don't have an STI because I don't have any symptoms." Which responses by the WHNP would be appropriate? (Select all that apply) 1. "Untreated STIs can cause serious complications in pregnancy, so we routinely screen pregnant women." 2. "Bacterial STIs don't usually cause symptoms, or you could have an asymptomatic viral STI." 3. "Chlamydia screening is recommended for all sexually active women up to age 25 even if asymptomatic." 4. "People between the ages of 15 and 24 are often asymptomatic and have the highest incidence of STIs." 5. "There is no need to screen for infection since you aren't having any problems or symptoms."

Answer: 1. "Untreated STIs can cause serious complications in pregnancy, so we routinely screen pregnant women." 3. "Chlamydia screening is recommended for all sexually active women up to age 25 even if asymptomatic." 4. "People between the ages of 15 and 24 are often asymptomatic and have the highest incidence of STIs." Rationale: Serious complications can result from untreated STIs in pregnancy, complications such as preterm labor, rupture of membranes, and premature delivery of the newborn. The risk of untreated STIs in any female is pelvic inflammatory disease, which, if untreated, can cause serious problems such as infertility. Routine screening for chlamydia is recommended for all sexually active women up to age 25. Many people do not know they are infected because they do not experience symptoms. Bacterial STIs are more likely to cause symptoms, whereas viral STIs are often asymptomatic

The school nurse is counseling an adolescent male who is returning to school after attempting suicide. He denies substance abuse and has no history of treatment for depression. He says he has no friends or family who understand him. Critical thinking encourages the nurse to consider all possibilities, including which of the following? (Select all that apply) 1. Adolescents often explore their sexual identity and expose themselves to complications such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unplanned pregnancy. 2. Peer approval and acceptance are not important in this age group. 3. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) youth often experience stress from identification with a sexual minority group. 4. Knowledge about normal changes associated with puberty and sexuality can decrease stress and anxiety. 5. Adolescence is a time of emotional stability and self-acceptance.

Answer: 1. Adolescents often explore their sexual identity and expose themselves to complications such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unplanned pregnancy. 3. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) youth often experience stress from identification with a sexual minority group. 4. Knowledge about normal changes associated with puberty and sexuality can decrease stress and anxiety. Rationale: Adolescents are establishing their identity and exploring their sexual preference. Those who identify with a sexual minority group often experience stress and isolation from peers. They need clear and accurate information about physiological and emotional changes occurring in their body. Peer influence is high during this time, but support from family and health care professionals is equally important to adolescents.

The nurse is gathering a sexual health history on a patient being admitted to the hospital for surgery. Which question demonstrates a nonjudgmental attitude? 1. Can you tell me your sexual orientation? 2. How do you and your wife feel about intimacy? 3. Do you have sex with men, women, or both? 4. Do you have sexual intercourse at your age?

Answer: 1. Can you tell me your sexual orientation? Rationale: A nonjudgmental attitude facilitates trust and open communication between the nurse and patient. Using a term such as sexual orientation and asking about preferred pronouns allows the patient to identify his or her unique sexuality and sexual health needs.

The nurse reviews the health history of a 48-year-old man and notes that he was started on medications for elevated blood pressure and depression at his last annual physical. He tells the nurse that over the past 6 months he is having difficulty sustaining an erection. The nurse understands that: (Select all that apply) 1. Nurses are not expected to discuss sexual issues with male patients and the physician should address this. 2. Sexual function can be affected by some medications. 3. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause complications such as erectile dysfunction and screening should be done. 4. Some men with health issues experience erectile dysfunction. 5. Medications used to treat hypertension and depression seldom interfere with sexual function.

Answer: 2. Sexual function can be affected by some medications 4. Some men with health issues experience erectile dysfunction. Rationale: Nurses should complete a holistic assessment on all patients to be able to personalize a plan of care. Nurses who are uncomfortable discussing sexual concerns of patients should seek out training and resources to develop this skill. Many drugs and illnesses can affect sexual function. Antidepressants can alter sexual functioning by blocking neurotransmitters. Antihypertensives can affect sexual function by altering circulation. Erectile dysfunction occurs more frequently in older men but can occur in men as young as 40. STIs may affect sexual functioning but are less likely than medications or illness to be the cause of erectile dysfunction.

A 53-year-old female being treated for breast cancer tells the nurse that she has no interest in sex since her surgery 2 months ago. The nurse is aware that: (Select all that apply) 1. Sexual issues are expected in a woman this age 2. Women experience sexual dysfunction more frequently than men. 3. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) occurs in women over 65 years of age. 4. Medical conditions such as cancer often contribute to HSDD. 5. Disturbances in self-concept affect sexual functioning

Answer: 2. Women experience sexual dysfunction more frequently than men. 4. Medical conditions such as cancer often contribute to HSDD. 5. Disturbances in self-concept affect sexual functioning Rationale: Women of all ages (not just older women) can experience reduced sexual desire or libido. Biological, organic, or psychosocial factors; pain; depression; and body image concerns can result in sexual problems in men and women. Sexual dysfunction is common in men and women, but it occurs more frequently in women. Self-concept issues, including changes in body image, identity, and role performance, can impact self-esteem and sexual functioning.

A 16-year-old female tells the school nurse that she doesn't need the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine since her partner always uses condoms. The best response by the nurse to this statement is: 1. "Latex condoms are the most effective way to eliminate the risk of HPV transmission." 2. "Your parents may not want you to receive the HPV vaccine since it has been shown to increase sexual risk taking and sexual activity." 3. "The HPV 9-valent vaccine is recommended for males and females even if they use condoms because it targets the specific viruses that cause cancer and genital warts." 4. "You are past the recommended age to receive the vaccine."

Answer: 3. "The HPV 9-valent vaccine is recommended for males and females even if they use condoms because it targets the specific viruses that cause cancer and genital warts." Rationale: An HPV vaccine that protects both men and women against the types of HPV that cause serious health issues is available and recommended for individuals ages 11 to 26. The use of latex condoms reduces the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but abstinence is the only practice that eliminates the risk. Longitudinal research indicates that vaccination does not increase sexual risk-taking behaviors among youths and is safe

A nurse who recently graduated from nursing school is providing discharge instructions to a patient who suffered a myocardial infarction (MI). The nurse knows that sexual issues are common after an MI but feels uncomfortable bringing up this topic. What is the best way for the nurse to handle this situation? (Select all that apply) 1. Instruct the patient to discuss any sexual concerns with his or her partner after discharge. 2. Avoid discussing the topic unless the patient brings it up. 3. Ask a more experienced nurse to cover this with the patient and learn from the example. 4. Plan to attend conferences or training soon on how to discuss such issues. 5. Encourage the patient to discuss any personal concerns with the cardiologist

Answer: 3. Ask a more experienced nurse to cover this with the patient and learn from the example. 4. Plan to attend conferences or training soon on how to discuss such issues. Rationale: Nurses often avoid discussing sexual issues with patients because they are uncomfortable, lack knowledge, or have personal values in conflict with the patients' values. Nurses who have difficulty addressing sexual issues need to seek education and experiences to increase knowledge and explore their personal values.