You are a preceptor to a new nurse on the geriatric unit of the hospital.You observe the nurse admit a new patient to the nursing unit and you are reviewing her documentation of the assessment.You note that she has left the section on the assessment form related to "sexuality" blank,and you question her about it.She states that it is "not applicable" and that the patient is 79 years old,then she draws a line through the section.What action do you take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The role of the nurse is as a facilitator of a milieu that is conducive to the older person asking questions and expressing his sexuality.The nurse helps the person maintain his sexuality by offering the opportunity for discussion.Sexuality is a topic that must be addressed; older adults have sexual and intimacy needs.The older adult may be reluctant or uncomfortable with discussing sexuality; the role of the nurse is to offer the patient the opportunity.This is a role of nursing as well as of the physician,not just of the physician.

You Are a Preceptor to a New Nurse on the Geriatric