A woman is scheduled to have a vulvectomy for vulvar cancer. Important interventions by the nurse to help her cope with this diagnosis and treatment include (Select all that apply)

Question

a. encouraging her and her partner to discuss sexuality.
b. encouraging her to see that being a "woman" means more than having genitals.
c. helping her adapt by limiting talk about grief and mourning.
d. providing a referral to a qualified sex therapist.
e. suggesting alternative forms of sexual pleasure.

Answer 1

A, D, E
A vulvectomy is a devastating procedure for many women, who will mourn the loss of their pre-vious identity and sexuality. Helpful interventions the nurse can offer include encouraging frank and open discussion between the client and partner, suggesting alternate forms of sexual activity, and referring the client for sexual therapy. The other two options are dismissive of the woman's feelings and do not constitute sensitive care.