Author Question: A 58-year-old woman asks the nurse what she can do to adjust to normal changes related to aging. How ... (Read 188 times)

tichca · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

A 58-year-old woman asks the nurse what she can do to adjust to normal changes related to aging. How does the nurse respond?

a. Continue what you've been doing. Nothing should have changed.
b. I will refer you to a sexual therapist to assist you.
c. Using a water-based lubricant may be helpful.
d. Reducing the frequency of intercourse may help you.

Question 2

A 29-year-old lone female parent of three children comes into the well-child clinic for a prenatal visit. To determine how the client will be able to cope with the pregnancy, which of the follow-ing questions should the nurse ask the client?

a. Have you ever been married?
b. Where do you work now?
c. Has anyone ever taught you the principles of contraception?
d. Who do you have for support during this pregnancy?

1_Step_At_ATime · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
The perimenopausal and menopausal woman may have diminished vaginal lubrication due to decreased levels of estrogen. Suggestions such as using a vaginal lubricant and creating time for caressing and tenderness can help to ease adjustment to normal changes related to aging.
Some physical changes may affect sexuality as the client ages. The client should be educated on the expected changes and how best to address them.
If the nurse is uncomfortable discussing sexual issues with the client, then he or she should ask another nurse who is comfortable to talk with the client. A sex therapist is not necessary in this situation. Sex therapists address more complex sexual issues.
Decreasing the frequency of intercourse would not promote healthy sexual relations.

Answer to Question 2

D
This could be a situational crisis for a lone-parent family. The nurse should assess environmental and familial factors, including support systems and coping mechanisms commonly used.
Asking the client whether she has ever been married does not assess her ability to cope with the pregnancy.
Asking the client where she works may help determine if any environmental factors may place her pregnancy at risk, but does not assess her ability to cope with the pregnancy.
This would not be the most opportune time to discuss contraception with the client and may convey a message of disapproval, and asking the client about contraception does not assess her ability to cope with the pregnancy.