A client is concerned because he was unable to achieve an erection during his last sexual encounter with his wife. He tells the nurse that he has worried about becoming impotent because he had a sexually transmitted infection as a young adult

Question

What is the nurse's best response to this client's concerns?
1. Sexually transmitted infections may result in sexual problems in adults.
2. Erectile dysfunction is the correct term for the inability to achieve or sustain an erection.
3. An occasional incident like this is normal and common and there is no reason to be concerned.
4. The medical diagnosis of erectile dysfunction is not made until the man has erection difficulties in 25% or more of his interactions.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Although this can occur, it does not address the client's concerns about impotence.
Rationale 2: Simply correcting the client's use of medical terminology does not address his concerns.
Rationale 3: This client is concerned about his masculinity and sexual abilities. The correct answer at this point is to tell him that it is common and normal for men to experience occasional erectile difficulties.
Rationale 4: Even though this is true, it is not the best response to address the client's concerns.