A new nurse is doing her first admission assessment and is anxious about asking a patient who is considerably older than her for his sexual history
Which statement(s) or action(s) would be appropriate for increasing the patient's and/or nurse's comfort level(s)? Select all that apply. a. Tell a sexually themed (but not offensive) joke to break the tension.
b. Use an informal, social communication style akin to the patient's.
c. Explain the reason you are seeking the information before asking for it.
d. Ask a male colleague to complete the sexual portion of the assessment.
e. Address the topic in a tone and manner appropriate for a professional.
f. Acknowledge that the topic might be an uncomfortable one to address.
C, E, F
Explaining the reason for seeking the information helps assure the patient there is a health-related purpose for such questions. Using a professional tone and demeanor averts a misperception that the nurse intends to flirt or otherwise has a social interest in the patient. Acknowledging that sexuality can be an uncomfortable topic to discuss with a stranger conveys genuineness in the nurse, acknowledges the patient's possible anxiety, and provides an opening for the patient to discuss his concerns if desired. Sexually-themed humor would rarely if ever be appropriate in a professional context. Asking a male nurse to substitute would be appropriate if it were the patient's request or the only way to reduce the patient's anxiety.
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