Question 1

The gerontologic nurse wants to begin assessing concerns related to sexuality among the population of patients seen in the clinic.What action by the nurse is best?

Accepted Answer

Getting permission to discuss sexuality with patients is the best and most respectful approach. It allows the patients to feel comfortable and in control of the conversation, and it ensures that the nurse is not overstepping any boundaries. Simply asking if they have concerns about sex may not be enough to fully assess their concerns, and telling them you are now assessing sexuality can feel invasive and uncomfortable. Using questionnaires can also be helpful, but it should be offered as an optional tool rather than the sole method of assessment.

Question 2

An older adult has begun dating after being widowed for many years.The adult confides to the nurse about having several sexual partners.What action by the nurse is best?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should prioritize the patient's safety and well-being by teaching about safer sexual practices, including the use of condoms to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. While family concerns may be important, the patient's autonomy and right to make their own decisions should be respected unless there are significant safety concerns. Asking about medical concerns related to sex is also appropriate, but not the best initial action in this scenario. Guilt is a personal emotion that may or may not be experienced by the patient and cannot be predicted or prevented by the nurse.

Question 3

The charge nurse on an extended care unit recognizes an immediate need for additional unit education regarding sexuality and the older adult when overhearing a staff member state

Accepted Answer

The statement "It's sad that Alzheimer's disease causes them to become sexual perverts." reflects a misunderstanding and a stigmatizing attitude towards the sexual behaviors of older adults with Alzheimer's disease. It indicates a need for education on how cognitive impairments like Alzheimer's can affect behavior, including sexual behavior, without labeling individuals as "perverts." Understanding and managing such behaviors with compassion and professionalism is crucial in healthcare settings.

Question 4

Which statement made by a nurse reflects a lack of understanding regarding sexual intimacy and the older adult patient?

Accepted Answer

This statement reflects a common misconception that older adults are not interested in sexual intimacy, when in fact it is a normal and important aspect of their lives. Chronic illnesses or physical limitations may make sexual expression more difficult, but interest in intimacy may still persist. Therefore, options B, C, and D are all true statements.

Question 5

The nurse is learning about postmenopausal changes that can affect sexuality in women.Which of the following are included? (Select all that apply. )

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is learning about postmenopausal changes...

Question 6

Through the open door of the patient's room,the nurse observes a male patient and his long-term partner in a romantic embrace.The nurse's priority intervention is directed toward

Accepted Answer

The nurse's priority intervention in this situation is to respect the patient's right to privacy by closing the door. It is not appropriate for the nurse to reinforce the patient's intimacy needs to the staff, explain challenges to the patient's relationship, or offer to discuss barriers to intimacy without the patient's consent and initiation.

Question 7

The patient who recently had a radical prostatectomy has the nursing diagnosis of ineffective sexuality patterns.What assessment by the nurse best indicates that the goals for this diagnosis have been met?

Accepted Answer

The goal of addressing ineffective sexuality patterns is to help the patient find ways to meet their sexual needs in a satisfactory way. If the patient states that their needs are being met, it indicates that the goals have been met. Options A and B do not indicate successful resolution of the nursing diagnosis, and Option D suggests the patient may still be experiencing erectile dysfunction.

Question 8

The assisted living nursing manager feels that intimacy needs are not being assessed or addressed by the staff on the unit.What action by the manager is best?

Accepted Answer

Providing staff with education on sexuality is the best action because it equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess and address intimacy needs appropriately and sensitively.

Question 9

A 70-year-old female patient shares with the nurse her concern that recently it takes more time to achieve an orgasm.The nurse responds most therapeutically when answering

Accepted Answer

The answer of A 70-year-old female patient shares with the...

Question 10

The family of a resident in an assisted living facility contacts the director to say they are "appalled" that the resident is allowed to have pornographic magazines in the room.What response by the director is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

The resident has the right to have these magazines, as long as they are not causing harm to themselves or others. It's important to respect their autonomy and personal preferences, while also ensuring their safety and well-being. The director could also offer to have a conversation with the resident about the appropriateness of the magazines and any concerns they may have.

Question 11

A patient lives in a long-term care facility and has mild dementia.The patient has been showing interest in another resident.What action by the nurse is best?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should first determine if the resident has decision-making capacity to ensure they can consent to the relationship.

Question 12

A male patient takes metoprolol.The spouse reports sexual dysfunction,but the patient adamantly denies he has this problem.What response by the nurse is best?

Accepted Answer

Option B is the best choice as it provides information to the patient that sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of metoprolol, acknowledges the spouse's concern, and offers an invitation to discuss the issue further if the patient desires. Option A is dismissive of the patient's concerns and may make him defensive. Option C may lead to the same confrontation and does not offer any additional information to the patient. Option D is not within the nurse's scope of practice as medication changes should be discussed with the prescribing physician.

Question 13

An older adult patient recovering from a radical prostatectomy is discussing his postsurgical care plan with the nurse when he expresses concern about long-term impotence.The nurse initially responds

Accepted Answer

The best choice is D because it provides truthful information that postsurgical erectile dysfunction is likely but generally temporary, giving the patient reassurance that his impotence should be resolved. This answer also validates the patient's concerns and gives him realistic expectations for his recovery. Option A could be appropriate, but the patient has not mentioned needing help with sexuality counseling; therefore, it might be seen as insensitive. Option B is premature, as the patient is still in the recovery phase, and mentioning prosthetic devices might overwhelm the patient even more. Option C is not incorrect, but it does not provide a complete answer, as there are side effects to medication that the patient should be aware of. It is best to provide the patient with truthful information regarding their medical condition.

Question 14

The nurse notes the patient's chart lists "dyspareunia" as a complaint.What teaching does the nurse plan to provide?

Accepted Answer

Dyspareunia refers to painful intercourse, and the use of water-soluble lubricants can help alleviate discomfort during penetration. Kegel exercises, deep breathing, and antifungal medications are not specifically indicated for dyspareunia.

Question 15

A patient with arthritis has difficulty participating is sex because of joint pain and stiffness.What action by the nurse is best?

Accepted Answer

A warm shower can help relax muscles and joints, potentially reducing pain and stiffness, making sexual activity more comfortable for the patient.

Question 16

An older adult female patient who has multiple sexual partners asks the nurse if the risk for contracting HIV really does increase as we age.The nurse shows the best understanding of this risk when responding

Accepted Answer

Changes in vaginal tissue and immune function increase the risk of contracting HIV as we age, especially if sex is unprotected. It is important to use protection and practice safe sex to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Engaging in sex with multiple partners also increases the risk of HIV and other STIs. While unprotected oral sex can also transmit HIV, it is not the only mode of transmission and does not eliminate the risk of contracting HIV. While it is true that the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) increases as we age, the question specifically asked about the risk of HIV. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate response.

Question 17

What information about sexuality is contrary to research on sexuality in older men?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that erectile dysfunction is not inevitable in older men, although it may be more common. The other options are consistent with research on sexuality in older men.

Question 18

The nurse working in long-term care knows there are several barriers to sexual expression for older patients.Which of the following are barriers? (Select all that apply. )

Accepted Answer

Decreasing desire, medication side effects, disease processes, and social circumstances can all serve as barriers to sexual expression for older patients. Increased libido is not typically a barrier, but may in fact lead to increased sexual expression if other barriers can be overcome.

Question 19

The nurse using the permission,limited information,specific suggestions,and intensive therapy (PLISSIT)model offers specific suggestions when

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse using the permission,limited information,specific suggestions,and...

Quiz 12: Sexuality and Aging