Deck 12: Sexuality and Aging

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?

A)Give the patients questionnaires to fill out.
B)Get permission to discuss sexuality with them.
C)Tell the patients you are now assessing sexuality.
D)Ask the patients if they have concerns about sex.

Answer 1

Get permission to discuss sexuality with them.

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?

A)Warn the patient that the family may not appreciate the situation.
B)Teach the patient about safer sexual practices including condoms.
C)Ask the patient if there are any medical concerns related to sex.
D)Tell the patient he or she may begin to have feelings of guilt.

Answer 2

Teach the patient about safer sexual practices including condoms.

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

A)"I've had to tell her to stop touching my breasts twice today."
B)"Someone needs to tell him to keep his pants zipped."
C)"I realize they have needs,but I'm not sure how to handle that."
D)"It's sad that Alzheimer's disease causes them to become sexual perverts."

Answer 3

"It's sad that Alzheimer's disease causes them to become sexual perverts."

Question 4

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

A)"Older adults express less interest in intimacy as both acute and chronic illnesses develop."
B)"Sexual expression is considered an enhancement to the quality of the older adult's life."
C)"Expressing sexual needs may be difficult or impossible for some older adults."
D)"Interest in physical contact tends to persist throughout life for both genders."

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. )

A)Shortening of the vagina
B)Need to void after intercourse
C)Vaginal dryness
D)Vaginal irritation needs investigation
E)Vaginal secretions diminish

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

A)reinforcing for the staff the patient's intimacy needs.
B)explaining to the patient the challenges that his relationship poses for the staff.
C)offering to discuss the barriers to intimacy that the patient and his partner face.
D)quietly closing the door to address the patient's right to privacy.

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?

A)Patient states he can live without sex.
B)Patient says that impotence is temporary.
C)Patient states his needs are being met.
D)Patient asks about medication for ED.

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?

A)Tell the staff sexuality is expected to be assessed.
B)Provide the staff with education on sexuality.
C)Obtain tools for staff to use when assessing sexuality.
D)Allow those with cultural objections to opt out.

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

A)"You've described a common result of aging for both men and women."
B)"If you experience difficulty achieving orgasms,you should discuss that with your doctor."
C)"Your body produces fewer sex hormones now,and you need more stimulation to climax."
D)"I understand your concern.Let's talk more about the changes you've noticed."

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?

A)"We will take those away immediately."
B)"Your loved one has the right to have these."
C)"How do you know about these magazines?"
D)"He cannot stay here if he has these in the room."

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?

A)Determining if the resident has decision making capacity
B)Refusing to allow the residents to be alone together
C)Asking the resident's family if the relationship is okay
D)Providing time for the residents to be together

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?

A)Telling him,"You need to think of your wife's needs too."
B)Telling him this is common and can be discussed if wanted.
C)Questioning the patient again about sexual functioning
D)Telling the doctor to change the patient's prescription

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

A)"I'd suggest a consult with a sexuality counselor for you and your partner."
B)"When you've healed sufficiently,we can discuss prosthetic devices that help."
C)"There are medications called you can take that minimize that problem."
D)"While postsurgical erectile dysfunction is likely,it is generally temporary."

Question 14

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

A)Use of water-soluble lubricants
B)Performing Kegel exercises
C)Deep breathing and relaxation
D)Use of antifungal medications

Question 15

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

A)Suggest a warm shower prior to sexual activity.
B)Ask the patient if he or she needs more pain medication.
C)Explore other ways of expressing sexuality.
D)Refer the patient to a rheumatologist.

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

A)"Any time one engages in sex with multiple partners,the risk for contracting HIV increases."
B)"Changes in vaginal tissue and immune function increase the risk,especially if sex is unprotected."
C)"Unless you are engaging in unprotected oral sex,your risk does not increase substantially."
D)"Yes,your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD)including HIV,dramatically increases as you age."

Question 17

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

A)Erections are not as firm.
B)It takes longer to obtain erections.
C)Erectile dysfunction is inevitable.
D)Ejaculation may not be a strong.

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. )

A)Decreasing desire
B)Medication side effects
C)Disease processes
D)Social circumstances
E)Increased libido

Question 19

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

A)referring the patient to a sex therapist.
B)discussing over-the-counter lubricants.
C)teaching safer sex practices.
D)discussing sexual positioning after hip surgery.