ch33 sexual health

JUDITH M. WILKINSON LESLIE S. TREASKAREN BARNETT MABLE H. SMITH

FUNDAMENTALS OFFUNDAMENTALS OFNURSINGNURSING

Chapter 33: Chapter 33: Sexual HealthSexual Health

Copyright © 2016 F.A. Davis Company

Concepts Related to Sexuality

Gender• Biological sex; being male or female

Gender roles• Societal norms for behavior• Old stereotypical

– Males: doctors, attorneys, breadwinners– Females: nurses, teachers


Concepts Related to Sexuality (cont’d)

Gender identity• Transgender-Broad Concept• Internal feelings of maleness or femaleness• Transsexual• Intersexed• Cross-dresser


Concepts Related to Sexuality (cont’d)

Sexual orientation• Based on the gender of the person one is

sexually attracted to– Heterosexual: opposite sex– Homosexual: same sex– Bisexual: both sexes


ClickerCheck

In completing an admission history, the nurse learns that the female client has a female sexual partner. This data speaks to the client’s

a.Sexual biasb.Gender rolec.Gender identityd.Sexual orientation


ClickerCheck (cont’d)

Correct answer: D

Sexual orientation describes the gender to which a person is sexually attracted.


Factors Affecting Sexuality

• Culture• Religion• Lifestyle• Knowledge about sex• Health status• Social context


Concepts Related to Sexual Health

• “State of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality” (WHO)

• Requires positive and respectful approach to sexual relationships

• Optimum expression of sexuality


ClickerCheckMr. Caruthers and Mrs. Duncan are elderly, widowed, and live in separate rooms in an assisted living facility. The nurses aide reports to the nurse that she has just seen the couple kissing and holding hands. The nurse aide then begins to laugh. What is the best correct nursing action?

a.Instruct the nurses aide that older adults still experience sexual pleasure.b.Call the families and inform them of the couple’s action.c.Remind the couple that their actions are not appropriate.d.Tell the nurse aide to relax because sexual activity is highly unlikely between the residents.



Correct answer: A

Many people continue to enjoy sexual activity in their later years in life.


How People Express Sexuality

• Intimate relationships• Fantasies/

erotic dreams• Self-stimulation• Shared touching


How People Express Sexuality (cont’d)

• Oral sex• Intercourse• Celibacy


Sexual Problems

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)• Dysmenorrhea• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)• Negative intimate relationships


Sexual Problems (cont’d)

• Sexual harassment• Rape• Dysfunctional intimate relationship• Sexual response cycle disorders

– Low libido– Arousal disorders– Orgasmic disorders


Obtaining a Sexual History

• Examine your own beliefs and values.• Convey a nonjudgmental attitude and unbiased approach.• Be aware of your nonverbal communication.

• Use a relaxed approach.• Maintain eye contact.

• Provide privacy.• Watch for cues to client discomfort/concerns.


ClickerCheckThe 17-year-old client comes to the clinic. She states to the nurse, “I think I have an infection in my vagina.” After obtaining information on the signs and symptoms, what is the nurse’s best response?

•“Can you tell me what kind of infection you think you have?”•“Have you told your mother about your concerns?”•“May I ask you if you are currently sexually active?”•“Do you know how you got this infection?”



Correct answer: C

Opens the dialogue about sexual activity (the potential cause of the infection) in a nonthreatening and respectful manner.


Common Teaching Topics Related to Sexual Health• Body function/reproduction• Menstruation• Premenstrual syndrome• Perimenopause


Common Teaching Topics Related to Sexual Health (cont’d)

• Breast and testicular self-exam• Preventing STIs• Contraception• Counseling for sexual problems


Think Like a Nurse

Examine your own beliefs about sexuality. Identify areas of concern you have regarding sexuality. How do you think this will affect your ability to assist patients with sexual health concerns?

ch33 sexual health

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