The nurse has completed an assessment on an adult male client who tells her he has difficulty having an erection and has less interest in sex. The nurse notes that the client has recently been given an antihypertensive medication

Question

What information should the nurse give the client? a. "You should avoid taking medication before intercourse."
b. "You should discuss sexual concerns with your physician."
c. "You should be seen by a sexual therapist immediately."
d. "You should seek out other activities or hobbies."

Answer 1

B
The nurse should encourage the client to speak with his physician about his sexual concerns, and the physician could discuss the possible effects of the antihypertensive on sexual function. There may be other medications the client could take that do not negatively affect sexual function.
The client should not avoid taking his antihypertensive medication before intercourse, but should be taught that other available blood pressure medications can maintain blood pressure control and do not negatively affect sexual function. The client can then discuss this with his physician.
Telling the client "You should be seen by a sexual therapist immediately" is not an appropriate expected outcome. Seeing a sexual therapist immediately is not necessary and may only intensify his concern.
Telling the client to seek out other hobbies or activities is not an appropriate expected outcome. It does not address or resolve the problem.