The nurse prepares to discharge an older man who has heart failure and is in stable condition, when his wife states that she will avoid sexual activities with him because of his heart disease

Question

Which of the following factors should the nurse use in patient teaching about sexual activity for an older adult with heart failure? a. An older adult with heart failure should avoid sexual relations because of the de-mand it places on the heart.
b. Sexual relations and climbing six flights of stairs expend the same amount of energy.
c. Fear and lack of knowledge can cause older people to reduce their sexual activity unnecessarily.
d. Sexuality is a private matter between the older man and his wife.

Answer 1

C
Sex is not restricted to young and healthy individuals; therefore the nurse provides the patient and his wife with information about safely resuming sexual intimacy. With appropriate cardiac rehabilitation, much of his capacity for exertion, such as sexual activity, can be restored. The energy expenditure for sexual activity varies; but, typically, it takes less energy than climbing six flights of stairs. The nurse must be prepared to discuss sexual issues with patients and seeks op-portunities for discussion about sexual health.