Care Of The Older Adult > Fundamentals
Exam Review
Sexuality
Total Questions : 5
Showing 5 questions, Sign in for moreA nurse is assessing the sexuality of an older adult client.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further education?
Explanation
The correct answer isD.
“I don’t need to worry about sexually transmitted infections at my age.” This statement indicates a need for further education because older adults are still at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if they are sexually active and do not use protection.According to the National Institute on Aging, STIs can affect anyone who is sexually active, regardless of age, and some STIs may not have any symptoms.Therefore, older adults should use condoms or other barrier methods to prevent STIs, and get tested regularly if they have multiple partners or a new partner.
Choice A is wrong because it is a correct statement.
“I know that my sexual response may be slower or less intense as I age.” This statement shows that the client has realistic expectations about the normal changes in sexual function that occur with aging.As people age, their bodies change, and their sexual response may take longer or require more stimulation.This does not mean that they cannot enjoy sex or intimacy, but they may need to adapt to these changes and communicate with their partner.
Choice B is wrong because it is not necessarily a sign of a need for education.
“I sometimes feel depressed or anxious about my sexual performance.” This statement reflects the client’s emotional state, which can affect their sexuality and intimacy.Some older adults may feel insecure about their aging bodies, their sexual abilities, or their attractiveness to their partner.
These feelings are normal and understandable, but they can also interfere with sexual satisfaction and intimacy.
The client may benefit from counseling or therapy to address these feelings, but they do not indicate a lack of knowledge about sexuality.
Choice C is wrong because it is a correct statement.
“I use lubricants and different positions to make sex more comfortable.” This statement shows that the client is aware of some strategies to cope with the physical changes that can affect sexual comfort in older adults.For example, vaginal dryness is a common problem for older women, especially after menopause, and it can make sex painful or uncomfortable.Using lubricants can help reduce friction and increase pleasure.Similarly, changing positions can help avoid discomfort or injury caused by arthritis or other conditions that affect mobility or flexibility.
Normal ranges for sexual activity and satisfaction vary widely among older adults, depending on their individual preferences, health status, relationship status, and other factors.
There is no one right way to express sexuality or intimacy in older age, as long as it is safe, consensual, and enjoyable for both partners.
A nurse is planning interventions to enhance the sexuality of an older adult couple.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
(Select all that apply.).
Explanation
The correct answer is A, B, and C.
These interventions are appropriate for enhancing the sexuality of an older adult couple because they address the effects of aging, chronic diseases, medications, and environmental factors on sexual function and intimacy.
The nurse should educate the couple about the normal physiological changes that occur with aging, such as decreased vaginal lubrication, erectile dysfunction, and longer refractory periods.
The nurse should also inform the couple about how certain medical conditions (such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, or depression) and medications (such as antihypertensives, antidepressants, or antihistamines) can affect sexual desire, arousal, and performance.
The nurse should encourage the couple to explore alternative ways of expressing intimacy and affection, such as cuddling, kissing, caressing, or oral stimulation.
The nurse should also provide the couple with a private, comfortable and safe environment for sexual activity, such as a quiet room with adequate lighting, temperature, and ventilation.
Choice D is wrong because prescribing medications or devices to improve sexual performance or satisfaction is not within the scope of nursing practice.
The nurse should refer the couple to a physician or a sex therapist if they need pharmacological or mechanical interventions for sexual dysfunction.
Choice E is wrong because discouraging the couple from discussing their sexual concerns or expectations is contrary to promoting healthy sexuality and intimacy.
The nurse should facilitate open and honest communication between the couple and their health care providers about their sexual needs, preferences, and goals.
The nurse should also provide the couple with accurate and reliable information and resources about sexuality in older adults.
Normal ranges for sexual function and satisfaction vary widely among individuals and couples depending on their age, health status, lifestyle, relationship quality, and personal values.
Therefore, the nurse should not impose any rigid or unrealistic standards or expectations on the couple.
Instead, the nurse should respect the couple’s autonomy and dignity and support them in achieving their optimal level of sexual well-being.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a history of depression and low self-esteem.
The client tells the nurse, “I don’t feel attractive or desirable anymore. I don’t think anyone would want to have sex with me.” How should the nurse respond?
Explanation
The correct answer is B.
“Why do you say that?.
What makes you feel that way?.” This is an open-ended question that encourages the client to express their feelings and thoughts, and shows empathy and respect from the nurse.
The nurse can then explore the factors that contribute to the client’s low self-esteem and depression, and provide appropriate interventions and referrals.
Choice A is wrong because it is a false reassurance that does not address the client’s underlying issues.
It may also make the client feel invalidated or patronized.
Choice C is wrong because it dismisses the client’s sexual needs and implies that they are not important.
Sexuality is a basic human need and a source of pleasure and intimacy for many people, regardless of age.
Choice D is wrong because it suggests that the client’s appearance is the cause of their low self-esteem and depression, and that changing it will solve their problems.
This may reinforce the client’s negative self-image and make them feel more insecure.
Older adults who have depression and low self-esteem may benefit from nursing interventions such as:.
• Providing a safe and supportive environment that promotes trust and rapport.
• Assessing for risk factors and signs of depression, such as loss of interest, hopelessness, guilt, insomnia, appetite changes, suicidal ideation, etc.
• Assessing for physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors that may affect the client’s self-esteem and sexual function, such as chronic illness, medication side effects, cognitive impairment, abuse, isolation, stigma, etc.
• Educating the client about depression and its treatment options, including medication, psychotherapy, counseling, support groups, etc.
• Encouraging the client to participate in activities that enhance their mood, self-esteem, and social interaction, such as exercise, hobbies, volunteering, etc.
• Encouraging the client to express their feelings and concerns, and listening actively and empathically.
• Helping the client identify their strengths and achievements, and challenging their negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves.
• Helping the client set realistic and attainable goals, and providing positive feedback and reinforcement.
• Respecting the client’s sexual needs and preferences, and providing information and resources on sexual health and safety.
• Referring the client to appropriate professionals or agencies for further assessment and intervention if needed.
A nurse is teaching an older adult client about the myths and stereotypes that affect sexuality in later life.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teachi
Explanation
The correct answer isA.
“I guess I shouldn’t let my age or society’s expectations limit my sexual expression.” This statement indicates that the client has a positive and realistic attitude about sexuality in later life, and does not let ageist sexual stereotypes affect their sexual health and wellness.
Choice B is wrong because it reflects a myth that sex is not important or appropriate for older adults.This myth can lead to internalized stigma and reduced sexual activity, which can have negative consequences for physical and mental health.
Choice C is wrong because it implies that the decline in sexual interest and ability is inevitable and unavoidable.
This is another myth that can discourage older adults from seeking help or exploring alternatives for their sexual problems.In fact, many factors can affect sexual function and satisfaction, such as medications, chronic conditions, lifestyle habits, relationship issues, etc., and some of them can be modified or treated.
Choice D is wrong because it suggests that older adults can only have sex with someone of the same age and marital status as them.
This is a stereotype that limits the diversity and expression of sexuality in later life.Older adults can have sex with anyone they choose, as long as it is consensual and safe.
A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to enhance the sexuality of an older adult client.
Which of the following outcomes would indicate that the interventions were successful?
Explanation
The correct answer is A.
The client reports increased sexual satisfaction and enjoyment.This outcome would indicate that the interventions were successful in enhancing the sexuality of an older adult client, which is the way we experience and express ourselves sexually.Sexuality is often affected by one’s emotional and physical state, and normal aging brings physical changes that can sometimes interfere with the ability to have and enjoy sex.
Therefore, interventions that aim to improve sexual satisfaction and enjoyment are relevant and important for older adults.
Choice B is wrong because increased sexual response and function are not necessarily indicators of enhanced sexuality, as they may not reflect the feelings, desires, actions, and identity of the older adult client.Sexual response and function can also be influenced by physiological factors such as menopause, erectile dysfunction, or chronic health conditions, which may require medical treatment rather than nursing interventions.
Choice C is wrong because increased sexual identity and orientation are not outcomes of interventions to enhance sexuality, but rather aspects of one’s personal and social identity that are usually established earlier in life.
Sexual identity and orientation are not affected by aging or health conditions, and do not need to be improved or changed by nursing interventions.
Choice D is wrong because increased sexual feelings and desires are not sufficient to measure the effectiveness of interventions to enhance sexuality, as they may not translate into sexual satisfaction and enjoyment.Sexual feelings and desires can also vary depending on the context, the partner, the mood, or other factors that are not related to the interventions.
The normal ranges for sexual activity in older adults depend on various factors such as personal preferences, health status, relationship status, availability of partner, social norms, and cultural values.
There is no single or standard definition of what constitutes normal or healthy sexuality for older adults.
However, some general guidelines for promoting sexual health in older adults are:.
• Communicate openly and honestly with your partner about your sexual needs and expectations.
• Use lubricants, pillows, or other aids to make sex more comfortable and enjoyable.
• Explore different ways of expressing intimacy and affection.
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