Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which approach best ensures patients receive optimal sexual health care without compromising their sense of self-worth?
Which approach best ensures patients receive optimal sexual health care without compromising their sense of self-worth?
- Avoiding the topic of sexuality altogether to prevent discomfort.
- Focusing solely on the physical aspects of sexual health while disregarding emotional concerns.
- Sharing personal beliefs about sexuality to establish common ground.
- Providing information neutrally, respecting patient choices, and promoting self-examination of values. (correct)
A patient is concerned that their recent heart attack has changed how they see themselves as a man. Which question would be the MOST appropriate initial question for a nurse to ask, based on the guidelines for taking a brief sexual history?
A patient is concerned that their recent heart attack has changed how they see themselves as a man. Which question would be the MOST appropriate initial question for a nurse to ask, based on the guidelines for taking a brief sexual history?
- "Has your heart attack changed the way you see yourself as a man?" (correct)
- "How has your heart attack changed your ability to function sexually?"
- "Are you experiencing any erectile dysfunction as a result of your heart attack?"
- "Do you think your partner still finds you attractive after your heart attack?"
Which of the following strategies is MOST important when collecting a sexual history from a patient who has experienced a traumatic event, such as rape or assault?
Which of the following strategies is MOST important when collecting a sexual history from a patient who has experienced a traumatic event, such as rape or assault?
- Expediting the data collection process to minimize patient distress.
- Progressing slowly with data collection to build trust and ensure comfort. (correct)
- Asking direct and explicit questions about the event to gather accurate information.
- Avoiding the subject of the traumatic event to prevent triggering painful memories.
What is the primary rationale for assessing a patient's sexual health as part of their overall wellness in a healthcare program?
What is the primary rationale for assessing a patient's sexual health as part of their overall wellness in a healthcare program?
A nurse is preparing to discuss sexual health with a patient. Which action demonstrates the MOST appropriate professional behavior?
A nurse is preparing to discuss sexual health with a patient. Which action demonstrates the MOST appropriate professional behavior?
Flashcards
Sexuality in Healthcare
Sexuality in Healthcare
Sexual health should be included in healthcare, focusing on accurate information about how illness affects sexuality and its contribution to overall wellness without influencing personal choices.
Taking a Sexual History
Taking a Sexual History
A private, trustful environment where nurses are comfortable with their own sexuality and approach patients non-judgmentally is vital for gathering a sexual history.
Barriers to Sexual Health
Barriers to Sexual Health
Lack of information, conflicting values, anxiety, guilt, privacy invasion, discomfort, judgment fear, and misunderstanding illness effects can hinder promoting sexual health.
Brief Sexual History Questions
Brief Sexual History Questions
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Interventions in Sexual Problems
Interventions in Sexual Problems
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Study Notes
- Sexual health is integral to overall wellness and should be included in health care programs.
- Health care services don't always include sexual assessment and interventions.
- Nurses and patients may find the topic of sexuality emotionally charged.
- Providing patients with information about sexuality doesn't mean endorsing their beliefs.
- Patients require accurate information on how illness impacts sexuality and how sexuality contributes to health.
- Provide information without influencing choices.
- Professional behavior ensures patients receive optimal health care without undermining their self-worth.
- Self-education and honest examination of sexual beliefs can help to reduce sexual bias.
- There isn't a single method for taking a sexual history, but certain principles can improve comfort for both parties.
Requirements for Taking a Sexual History
- Provide privacy by using a closed room.
- Create an atmosphere of trust by ensuring confidentiality.
- Nurses should feel comfortable with their own sexuality.
- Use a nonjudgmental approach.
Factors That Can Interfere With the Promotion of Sexual Health
- Lack of information can hinder sexual health.
- Conflicting values and attitudes can create barriers.
- Anxiety about what is "normal" can interfere.
- Feelings of guilt can impede sexual health discussions.
- Discomfort with sexuality can be a barrier.
- Perceived invasion of privacy can be a concern.
- Lack of regard for a hospitalized patient's need for time alone with a significant other can interfere.
- The manner in which a patient is touched can be a factor.
- Fear of being judged can be a deterrent.
- Lack of understanding of how illness affects sexual functioning can be a barrier.
Brief Sexual History Questions
- Has your (illness, pregnancy, hospitalization) interfered with your being a (husband, wife, significant other, father, mother)?
- Has your (abortion, heart attack) changed the way you see yourself as a (woman, man)?
- Has your (colostomy, mastectomy, hysterectomy) changed your ability to function sexually (or altered your sex life)?
- Obtain the sexual history early in the nurse-patient relationship to signal permission to discuss.
- Traumatic situations such as rape require a more gradual approach to data collection.
- Avoid over or underreacting to a patient's comments to encourage honesty.
- Use language the patient understands, defining terms as needed.
- Proceed from less to more sensitive topics to build comfort.
- Ask the patient if they have more questions or concerns at the end of the history.
- A brief assessment can be integrated into the nursing history using these questions.
- Questions can be adapted to address illness, life events, or anything influencing sexual health.
- Questions can address patient expectations regarding procedures or medications.
- Patients often express concerns about masculinity, femininity, and sexual function without much prompting.
- Nurses can intervene in patient sexual problems using these strategies:
- Educating patient groups likely to have sexual concerns
- Providing anticipatory guidance throughout the life cycle
- Promoting a milieu conducive to sexual health
- Validating normalcy about sexual concerns
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