A new nurse is caring for an adolescent transgender client. What question would be appropriate when assessing the client's gender identity?

Question

A new nurse is caring for an adolescent transgender client.  What question would be appropriate when assessing the client's gender identity?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Transgender clients may fear judgment or embarrassment and withhold information, avoid seeking treatment, or refuse care as a result. This is often related to past experiences of discrimination or stigma when receiving health care. Therefore, it is important to use therapeutic communication and avoid stereotypes to establish trust. Transgender clients may identify as male or female or as neither or both genders. It is important for the nurse to determine clients' gender identity by asking open-ended questions that allow clients to explain their identities in their own words (Option B). (Option A) The client may not identify as simply male or female. Asking closed-ended questions (eg, whether the client prefers "he" or "she") does not allow for client elaboration. (Option C) Because the client does not identify with the gender designated at birth, referring to a transgender client's "original gender" may cause distress and discomfort. The nurse should instead ask what sex the client was assigned on the original birth certificate. (Option D) Asking "What is your preferred name?" is not open-ended and does not thoroughly assess gender identity. However, the client's preferred and legal names may be different. The nurse should use the client's preferred name to show respect and to develop a therapeutic relationship. Educational objective: Transgender clients may identify as male or female or as neither or both genders. The nurse should use open-ended questions that allow clients to explain their identities in their own words.

A New Nurse Is Caring for an Adolescent Transgender Client