Deck 34: Sexuality

Question 1

A woman who has been in a monogamous relationship for the past 6 months presents to clinic with herpes on her labia.The patient is distraught because her partner must have cheated on her.Which response by the nurse is most effective in establishing an open rapport with a patient?

A) Share an anecdote.
B) Inform the patient that all encounters are confidential.
C) Tell the patient that she must be honest about every sexual experience she has had.
D) Ask the patient what concerns or fears she has related to the visit.

Answer 1

Inform the patient that all encounters are confidential.

Question 2

A patient who has had several sexual partners in the past month expresses a desire to use a contraceptive.Which contraceptive method should the nurse recommend?

A) Spermicide
B) Condom
C) Diaphragm
D) Oral contraceptive

Answer 2

Condom

Question 3

An 18-year-old male patient informs the nurse that he isn't sure if he is homosexual because he is attracted to both genders.The nurse establishes a trusting relationship patient by saying

A) "Don't worry. It's just a phase you will grow out of."
B) "Those are abnormal impulses. You should seek therapy."
C) "At your age, it is normal to be curious about both genders."
D) "Having questions about sexuality is normal. Have you noticed any changes in the way this makes you feel about yourself?"

Answer 3

"At your age, it is normal to be curious about both genders."

Question 4

A patient asks the nurse what signs and symptoms are associated with chlamydia.How should the nurse respond?

A) The first signs that chlamydia presents are frequency and burning upon urination.
B) Symptoms of chlamydia usually affect only women.
C) Small red blisters appear first and then multiply.
D) Dementia results if chlamydia goes untreated too long.

Question 5

A patient admits that he knew for several months that he had an STI but did not report it.The nurse knows that this is because many people with STIs

A) Do not acknowledge the importance of STI testing and treatment.
B) Are hesitant to admit they contracted an STI.
C) Have lifestyles that subject them to repeated exposure.
D) Are uncomfortable discussing sexual health issues with a same-sex provider.

Question 6

A 68-year-old female asks the nurse if a contraceptive is still necessary.What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "A barrier such as a condom is recommended if you are unsure whether your sexual partners have been tested for STIs."
B) "No, because you have gone through menopause and can no longer become pregnant."
C) "Let's discuss this further, what is your current level of sexual activity?"
D) "Yes, as long as using a barrier does not decrease sexual performance."

Question 7

A mother brings her 12-year-old daughter into a clinic and inquires about getting her an HPV vaccine that day.The nurse informs the mother that the HPV vaccine

A) Is safe for children over the age of 5 and lasts 10 years.
B) Is recommended only after a female becomes sexually active.
C) Will prevent a female from ever getting cervical cancer.
D) Requires a three-injection series to be fully effective.

Question 8

The nurse is caring for a patient who recently had unprotected sex with a partner who has HIV.The nurse informs the patient

A) "You should have your blood drawn today to see if you were infected."
B) "If you have the virus, you will have flulike symptoms in 6 months."
C) "Highly active antiretroviral therapy has been shown effective in slowing the disease process."
D) "I will set you up with a support group to help you cope with dying within the next 10 years."

Question 9

A nurse is caring for a patient who expresses a desire to have an elective abortion.The nurse's religious and ethical values are strongly opposed.How should the nurse best handle the situation?

A) Continue to care for the patient, and limit conversation as much as possible.
B) Refer the patient to a family planning center or health professional.
C) Attempt to educate the patient about the consequences of abortion.
D) Inform the patient that because of moral issues, another nurse will have to care for her.

Question 10

A 12-year-old female patient complains that her periods are making her fat.Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

A) "Try to stop snacking on sweets when you get cravings, and replace them with healthy veggies instead."
B) "Does the weight fluctuate throughout the month, getting worse around the time of your period?"
C) "You are emotional around the time of your period; I promise no one notices this but you."
D) "Those changes are normal with menstruation; try not to get upset about it."

Question 11

A nurse is caring for a 15-year-old who in the past 6 months has had multiple male and female sexual partners.The nurse knows that the therapeutic statement that would be most effective is

A) "I know you feel invincible, but STIs and unwanted pregnancy are a real risk. Let's discuss what you think is the best method for protecting yourself."
B) "Having sexual interaction with both males and females places you at higher risk for STIs. To protect yourself you need to decide which orientation you are."
C) "Your current friends are leading you to make poor choices. You should find new friends to hang out with."
D) "I think it's best to notify your parents. They know what's best for you and can help make sure you practice safe sex."

Question 12

A mother brings her 4-year-old daughter to clinic.She states that she is upset because she has caught her child masturbating.Which response by the nurse is best for calming the mother?

A) "Don't worry. This is normal for a child her age. She will grow out of it."
B) "That is a natural part of development. Your child is exploring and becoming familiar with her body."
C) "Most children have grown out of that phase by now. She might be developmentally delayed."
D) "That is an abnormal behavior for a female child. I'm going to refer you to a specialist."

Question 13

A patient has been hospitalized from a motor vehicle accident for the past month.The nurse notices that the patient has been becoming withdrawn and asks the patient if something is upsetting him.The patient confides to the nurse that he wants to have sex with his spouse but is afraid to in a hospital.How should the nurse proceed?

A) Arrange a schedule with the patient to allow for intimacy at a time when the patient is well rested and able to participate in activity.
B) Educate the patient about the dangers of strenuous activity in his condition.
C) Ask the patient if it would be okay to have a monitor on in the room for his safety.
D) Stress the importance of using barrier contraceptives to prevent infection because he is already susceptible.

Question 14

A patient who had an ostomy placed 1 month ago states that he is feeling depressed and does not want to participate in sexual activities anymore because he is afraid that his partner is not physically attracted to him.Which nursing intervention will be most effective in helping this patient resume sexual activity?

A) Reassure the patient that lots of people resume sex the same week the ostomy is placed.
B) Inform the patient about a support group for people with ostomies.
C) Teach the patient about intimate activities that can be done to incorporate the ostomy.
D) Discuss ways to adapt to new body image so the patient will be comfortable in resuming intimacy.

Question 15

A nurse is caring for a 35-year-old female patient who recently started taking antidepressants after repeated attempts at fertility treatment.The patient tells the nurse,"I feel happier,but my sex drive is gone." Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority?

A) Sexual dysfunction
B) Ineffective coping
C) Deficient knowledge about contraception
D) Risk for self-directed violence

Question 16

The nurse is leading a seminar about menopause and age-related changes.The nurse knows that a patient does not fully understand the changes of aging when the patient says

A) "I will no longer ovulate after menopause."
B) "Orgasms are no longer achievable after menopause."
C) "Hormones of sexual regulation such as estrogen decrease with age."
D) "As men age, their ability to sexually perform may decrease."

Question 17

A male patient with diabetes who is taking medication for erectile dysfunction is experiencing pain and discomfort related to the side effect of priapism.The nurse knows that this patient is at greatest risk for

A) Sexual dysfunction related to low self-esteem.
B) Impaired circulation due to medication.
C) Anxiety related to erectile dysfunction.
D) Ineffective coping related to chronic illness.

Question 18

A 15-year-old patient is concerned because her mother wants her to receive the HPV vaccination,but the patient is unsure if she wants it.Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

A) Ask the patient what concerns she may have about the vaccination.
B) Remind her that her mother knows best, and that she should respect her parents' wishes.
C) Ask the patient how many sexual partners she has had in the past year.
D) Promote the importance of the vaccine, and recommend that the patient get the vaccine as soon as possible.

Question 19

A nursing student is providing education to a group of older adults who are in an independent living retirement village.Which of the following statements made by the nursing student requires the nursing professor to intervene?

A) "Avoiding alcohol use will enhance your sexual functioning."
B) "You do not need to worry about getting a sexually transmitted infection at this point in your life."
C) "You need to tell your partner how you feel about sex and any fears you may have."
D) "Using pillows and taking pain medication if needed before having sexual intercourse often helps alleviate pain associated with intercourse and improves sexual functioning."

Question 20

Which patient is most in need of a nurse's referral to adoption services?

A) A patient considering abortion for an unwanted pregnancy
B) An infertile couple religiously opposed to artificial insemination
C) A woman who suffered miscarriage during her first pregnancy
D) A couple who has been attempting conception for 3 months

Question 21

The patient expresses his attraction to the nurse who is caring for him.The patient asks the nurse for her phone number.How should the nurse first attempt to handle the situation?

A) Redefine the boundaries of professionalism.
B) Give the patient her number, but ask that he call after work hours.
C) Give the patient false information to appease him.
D) Ask a coworker to take over care for this patient.

Question 22

An older couple expresses concern because they are easily fatigued during sexual intercourse and cannot reach climax.The nurse knows that older adults may have changes in sexual functioning.What strategies to increase sexual stamina could the nurse offer?

A) Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
B) Encourage intimate touching, such as hugging and kissing.
C) Eat well-balanced meals, and eliminate excess fats and sugars.
D) Plan sexual activity around a time when the couple feels rested.
E) Take pain medication before intercourse.
F) Use extra lubrication to decrease discomfort.

Question 23

A patient expresses concern that her partner no longer finds her attractive and is considering having a three-way to spice up the relationship.Which response is the best option for the nurse in this situation?

A) "Please help me understand how you are feeling about your relationship right now."
B) "If your partner truly loves you, he doesn't need to have sex with another person."
C) "Nonmonogamous sex is immoral; here is the number for the local church."
D) "Have you considered the consequences of adding a third party to a sexual relationship?"