Question

A 66 year-old man is admitted to the healthcare facility. He is a veteran who has previously lived alone, but has a female partner who visits often. He takes medications to control his blood pressure. He denies any other health problems. He is very quiet and you have concerns about his sexual health and safety.

1. What is the nurses first action here? Perform a headto toe assessment. Assess cognitive impairment.

2. How would the nurse proceed with an assessment and management of this resident? Use a private room to talk to the patient. Ensure the pt is comfortable and respected. Ask open-ended questions about sex. The nurse can provide education/counseling. Provide methods of intimacy. Teach pt about pathological sexual changes with aging.

3. What other members of the interdisciplinary team should be involved in the care of the sexuality issues with this residents? Health care provider,nurse, and psychologists for depression.

4. How would the nurse help to meet the needs of the resident and his partner? Teach sexual behaviors including cuddling,propositioning, sexual remark, and touching of genitals. Administer sildenfil one hour before sex.

5. What patient teaching should the nurse communicate to the patient?Practice safe sex and get tested. Explain men can experience a decrease in testosterone with aging. Cardiac and hypertention can impact sexual function. Do not share needles.

Answer 1

1. The recent research has described that the desire for sexual need remains the same all through the age.The pathological changes can be seen in the elder, they should be aware of the relationship they make and should be sound enough to make decision. Hence their cognition has to be assessed

Ans:Cognitive impairment

2. The PLISSIT model is the tools to assess the elderly client's about their sexual life.First permission has to be got,the limits can be shared to the patient, asking questions which are open ended allowing them to tell their opinions, desires,etc.,

Ans:Ask open ended questions

3.The problem is managed by a multidisciplinary team including the provider, nurses,counselor, psychologists to plan and decide on the treatment

Ans: Psychologists for depression

4.The elders can be taught about safe sex practices like use of condom ,lubricant in female,cuddling etc,,

Ans:Teach sexual behavior including cuddling, propositioning,sexual remark and touching of genital

5,The chance of STD are very high and are at risk at this age so always safe sex practice and regular testing to be done

Ans:Practice safe sex and get tested1