The nurse is conducting health screening at a community clinic. The patient has asked whether there are any risks with body piercing and tattooing, or whether these activities would impact sexual activity. How should the nurse respond?

Question

1. "You should avoid piercing your genitalia and your nipples.".
2. "There are no problems that occur with either body piercing or tattooing.".
3. "Both piercing and tattooing carry risks of infection, including hepatitis.".
4. "The benefit of body art outweighs any risk of infection of a tattoo or piercing.".

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: It is true that genitalia and nipple piercing may cause problems during childbearing and breastfeeding, but this is not the best choice based on the patient's question.
Rationale 2: Body piercing and tattooing can put the patient at risk for significant problems.
Rationale 3: Body piercing and tattooing involve puncturing the skin, creating a possible entry point of bacteria that can cause infection of the site. If the ink, needles, or other equipment have not been sterilized between use, hepatitis B and C can be spread from one patient to another.
Rationale 4: The physiological risk of infection outweighs the psychological benefit of beautification.