The nurse is providing pre-operative care for an 80-year-old patient who is scheduled to have prostate surgery. The patient says, "I know a man who was impotent after this surgery. Will that happen to me?"
Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. "Impotence should not be a problem; sperm production is not affected by this surgery."
b. "There are many treatments available if it does occur."
c. "This type of surgery rarely causes erectile dysfunction. I'll ask your surgeon to explain the risks to you."
d. "Most men your age learn to deal with erectile dysfunction if it does occur."
ANS: C
Some types of prostate procedures can lead to erectile dysfunction. The physician needs to address this risk with the patient. It is inappropriate for the nurse to talk about treatments, because it is not known from the information given if the patient is having a high-risk procedure. There is no reason to alarm the patient unnecessarily.
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