A nurse wishes to incorporate an assessment of patient sexuality into all patient encounters but is concerned about appearing inappropriate. What action by the nurse is best?
a. State, "I always ask my patients permission to discuss sexuality. Is this alright?"
b. Wait for the patient to bring the subject of sexuality up to the nurse.
c. Give the patient written material on sexuality, then ask if he/she has questions.
d. Tell patients that if they have any sexual concerns, you would be happy to discuss them.
ANS: A
A matter-of-fact, organized approach to sexuality will decrease anxiety in both patient and nurse. Stating that all patients are asked about this topic makes it appear to be a normal part of the assessment. The other options put the responsibility for discussing sexuality on the patient, when the nurse should be directing the process.
You might also like to view...
A patient is in hospice with a diagnosis of end-stage heart failure. How would the nurse explain the primary treatment goal for this patient?
1. Provide significant pain medications. 2. Provide comfort and reduce any distressing respiratory symptoms. 3. Keep the patient out of the hospital. 4. Provide information to the family.
When speaking with a family about their 9-year-old daughter's nightmares, it is important to ask:
1. If the child has a history of daytime napping. 2. What medications the child takes during the day. 3. How often the child consumes caffeine. 4. All of the above should be part of the assessment.
A patient reports tiredness in the arm with exertion, paresthesia, dizziness, and exercise induced pain in the forearm when the arms are elevated. The nurse suspects subclavian steal. What physical assessment does the nurse perform?
a. Check blood pressure in both arms. b. Auscultate for a carotid bruit. c. Check for orthostatic hypotension. d. Observe the arm for redness or edema.
The functional unit of the lung is called a(an) __________
A. bronchi B. lobe C. respiratory unit D. surfactant