Personality and Mood Disorders Q 62
Situation: The nurse may encounter clients with concerns on sexuality. The most basic factor in the intervention with clients in the area of sexuality is:
A. Knowledge about sexuality.
B. Experience in dealing with clients with sexual problems.
C. Comfort with one’s sexuality.
D. Ability to communicate effectively.
Correct Answer: C. Comfort with one’s sexuality
The nurse must be accepting, empathetic and non-judgmental to patients who disclose concerns regarding sexuality. This can happen only when the nurse has reconciled and accepted her feelings and beliefs related to sexuality. Sexuality is a very personal and sensitive subject; the client is more likely to share this information if he or she does not fear being judged by the nurse.
Option A: Encourage the client to discuss the disease process that may be contributing to sexual dysfunction; ensure that client is aware that alternative methods of achieving sexual satisfaction exist and can be learned through sex counseling if he or she and partner desire to do so.
Option B: Identify factors that affect the client’s sexuality. Note cultural, social, ethnic, racial, and religious factors that may contribute to conflicts regarding variant sexual practices.
Option D: Effective communication is an important consideration, but this is not the priority. Provide positive reinforcement. Observe client behaviors and the responses he or she elicits from others; give social attention (e.g., smile, nod) to desired behaviors.