An older male patient recovering from a myocardial infarction ...

[TFauchery]

An older male patient recovering from a myocardial infarction (MI) asks the nurse if future sexual activity is now contraindicated. Which statement should the nurse use to respond to the patient?
 
  A) Sexual activity after MI is usually contraindicated.
  B) Medications can be used to enhance sexual function.
  C) There are positions that produce the least strain on the heart during sexual activity.
  D) Current research suggests that sexual activity does not require modification following MI.

Question 2

Although the immune system is affected by the aging process, the elderly are not the only individuals who have autoimmune disorders. These occur in populations of all ages because autoimmune disorders involve:
 
  A) An attack of antibodies on body cells
  B) An overproduction of T cells in bone marrow
  C) A decrease in the weight of the thymus gland
  D) An increase in the amount of lipofuscin in the blood

[Jadwiga9]

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
Nurses should encourage discussion of this subject and introduce the topic if patients seem unable to do so themselves. If there is fear of injuring the heart by resuming sexual activity, the nurse should provide realistic explanations, including sexual positions that produce the least cardiac strain. Sex is not universally contraindicated following MI though some modification is likely necessary. It is not known if the patient needs medications to enhance sexual function.

Answer to Question 2

A
Feedback:
In autoimmune disorders, the immune system attacks and destroys the body's own cells (as opposed to those of invading, disease-causing microorganisms). There is no overproduction of T cells. Although the weight of the thymus gland decreases with age and the amount of lipofuscin increases, such changes are not characteristic of autoimmune disorders.