A nurse works with many women who self-identify as lesbian or bisexual. What action by the nurse would best address this population's needs?

Question

A.
Aggressive screening for sexually transmitted infections
B.
Assisting with procedures related to conception
C.
Providing information on increased cancer risks
D.
Using questions that do not assume sexual orientation

Answer 1

ANS: D
Lesbians and bisexuals are more likely to report poor physical or mental health compared with heterosexual women. Although the origins of this are not totally clear, one factor may relate to the homosexual/bisexual woman's hesitancy in seeking health care. Nurses can greatly assist with this by being nonjudgmental and by using language and questions that do not assume sexual orientation. Sexually transmitted infections do occur in this population, although woman-to-woman transmission is lower than man-to-woman transmission. Some lesbian women do seek to become pregnant and bear children; they should be apprised of all available options. Lesbian women have increased risks for breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Although all options are feasible, the option that has the potential to have the greatest impact is the one related to neutral language, which can be perceived as welcoming and accepting.