Deck 16: Sexuality and Aging

Question 1

A 72-year-old patient is on menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). What should the nurse suggest for the patient?

A) Semiweekly douche to wash out cervical debris
B) Liver function assessment annually
C) Mammogram biannually
D) Pap smear annually

Answer 1

Pap smear annually

Question 2

What age-related changes of the female reproductive system can affect sexual intercourse? (Select all that apply.)

A) Pruritus vulvae
B) Atrophic vaginitis
C) Frequent yeast infections
D) Dyspareunia
E) Decreased response time

Answer 2

Pruritus vulvae
Atrophic vaginitis
Frequent yeast infections
Dyspareunia

Question 3

What age-related changes are common in older men and affect sexuality? (Select all that apply.)

A) Erections take longer to achieve and are less firm than in younger years.
B) Orgasm takes longer to achieve.
C) Orgasm occurs at each intercourse.
D) Erection loss occurs immediately after orgasm.
E) There is an increase in time between orgasms.

Answer 3

Erections take longer to achieve and are less firm than in younger years.
Orgasm takes longer to achieve.
Erection loss occurs immediately after orgasm.
There is an increase in time between orgasms.

Question 4

A 65-year-old male, although he is having painful symptoms related to a benign enlargement of the prostate, refuses to consider a prostatectomy because he fears that the surgery will cause erectile dysfunction. What information can the nurse provide as reassurance?

A) A prostatectomy will enhance sexual function.
B) New techniques for a prostatectomy do not damage nerves.
C) The prostate has nothing to do with erection or seminal fluid production.
D) Erectile dysfunction following a prostatectomy is entirely psychological.

Question 5

What would be an appropriate statement regarding sexuality for a married couple upon their admission to a long-term care facility?

A) "How often do you have intercourse?"
B) "Do you have any sexual concerns related to your admission here?"
C) "What can we do to keep your sex life active?"
D) "Any sexual activity should be done in private."

Question 6

What medical condition is known to contribute to erectile dysfunction?

A) Diabetes
B) Irritable bowel syndrome
C) Chronic pancreatitis
D) Osteoarthritis

Question 7

Menopausal Hormone therapy can increase the risk of women developing which condition(s)? (Select all that apply.)

A) Stroke
B) Myocardial infarction
C) Liver disorders
D) Cancer
E) Bone demineralization

Question 8

What statement by a 65-year-old man who had a myocardial infarction 6 months ago would indicate a need for further teaching?

A) "I'm enjoying the same sexual activities now as I did before my heart attack."
B) "I'm still pretty cautious, but our sex lives are very satisfactory."
C) "I've been told that I'm at risk for another heart attack if we have sex."
D) "My heart medications have caused erectile dysfunction, but we've found other methods of sexual expression."

Question 9

What constraints may prevent an older widow from engaging in sexual activity? (Select all that apply.)

A) Older women outnumber older adult men by 4:1.
B) There is an expectation that men should initiate contact.
C) Display of sexual interest is considered improper.
D) Older women do not desire sexual expression.
E) Older women associate sexual activity with marriage.

Question 10

A cognitively impaired man is openly masturbating in the dayroom of a long-term care facility. What is the most appropriate statement by the nurse?

A) "This is inappropriate behavior in public areas."
B) "Oh my God! Don't you know that will make you go blind?"
C) "I think you may need some privacy" and take him to his room.
D) "Here's a blanket for your legs" and cover his lap with it.

Question 11

What drugs can contribute to erectile dysfunction? (Select all that apply.)

A) calcium channel blockers
B) Pancreatic enzyme replacement
C) Antihistamines
D) Antiparkinson drugs
E) Antidepressants

Question 12

What is true of sexuality?

A) It becomes absent with age.
B) It remains part of life until death.
C) As expressed through intercourse is not possible after the age of 65 years.
D) It must be expressed in sexual intercourse.

Question 13

Why does the nurse stress the importance of advance directives to a 70-year-old gay man who has been in a monogamous relationship for 20 years?

A) All persons older than 60 years should have advance directives.
B) Gay and lesbian couples are estranged from their families.
C) Life partners frequently abandon unions when terminal illness occurs.
D) Life partners have no legal standing in many states.

Question 14

What factors can alter the sexual practice of older adults? (Select all that apply.)

A) Altered health status
B) Inability to achieve orgasm
C) Erectile dysfunction
D) Loss of sexual partner
E) Slowed sexual response time

Question 15

The horrified CNA runs to the nursing station and says, "Do you know what Mr. and Mrs. Smith are doing? They're having sex right there in room 210!" What would be the best response of the nurse?

A) Knock discreetly on the door and enter the room.
B) Call the charge nurse to report inappropriate sexual activity.
C) Request an order from the primary health care provider to allow intercourse.
D) Give the CNA a "Do Not Disturb" sign to put on the door of room 210.

Question 16

The CNA tearfully reports that a resident deliberately exposes himself to her and makes lewd suggestions. What would be an appropriate modification to this patient's plan of care?

A) Assign only males to care for the resident.
B) Chastise the resident for lewd behavior.
C) Restrain the hands of the resident during routine care.
D) Modify clothing choices to one-piece garments or elastic waist trousers.

Question 17

The 70-year-old woman who is considering coming off of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) for the reduction of postmenopausal discomfort asks the nurse what advantage is offered by tamoxifen, also called a "designer estrogen." What would be the best response by the nurse?

A) Tamoxifen provides estrogen to some tissues while acting as an antiestrogen to others.
B) Tamoxifen has no side effects.
C) Tamoxifen needs to be taken only once a week.
D) Tamoxifen improves the skin turgor and complexion.

Question 18

The nurse teaches that some persons have found relief from postmenopausal discomfort by using phytoestrogens. In what food can phytoestrogens be found?

A) Mangos
B) Soybeans
C) Broccoli
D) Lima beans

Question 19

The nurse makes it clear to older adults in a long-term care facility that condoms are available from the medicine cart on request for which reason?

A) To guarantee safe sex practices.
B) To reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs).
C) To show acceptance of sexual expression.
D) To prevent soiling bed linens or furniture.

Question 20

The nurse is counseling a 70-year-old patient regarding vaginal dryness. Which statement by the patient would indicate a need for further teaching?

A) "Vaseline was good enough for my mother. It's good enough for me."
B) "I use a water-soluble lubricant to aid intercourse."
C) "I'm trying an estrogen cream to see if it works."
D) "I'll let you know how wild yams work for vaginal dryness."

Question 21

The nurse is conducting an admission assessment with an older adult. What can affect sexual function? (Select all that apply.)

A) Increasing age
B) Grief
C) Illness
D) Religion
E) Physical changes

Question 22

What are factors that can discourage marriage between older adults? (Select all that apply.)

A) Disapproval of children
B) Financial loss in case of remarriage
C) Concerns about chronic illness with either partner
D) The lack of opportunity for sexual expression outside of marriage
E) Religious and personal values that inhibit cohabitation

Question 23

The nurse explains that a decrease in estrogen and __________ are responsible for the changes in the female reproductive system.

Question 24

What questions would be appropriate for the nurse to ask in order to assess sexual function? (Select all that apply.)

A) "How many alcoholic beverages do you drink a day?"
B) "What over-the-counter and prescription medications do you take?"
C) "How often do you engage in sexual activity?"
D) "Have you had any recent health problems?"
E) "When do you see your significant other?"

Question 25

The home health nurse takes into consideration the concerns of aging gay and lesbian couples, which include __________. (Select all that apply.)

A) health care providers being willing to discuss a homosexual union
B) the health care system's focus on heterosexuality as the norm
C) difficulty finding senior housing as a homosexual couple
D) fear of discrimination based on sexual orientation, resulting in substandard health care
E) delay of entry to a long-term care facility because of the possibility of not being able to share a room