Older Adult Final Exam Questions with Correct Answers

1.Which statement made by a nurse reflects a lack of understanding regarding sexual intimacy and the older adult patient? a. "Older adults express less interest in intimacy as both acute and chronic illnesses develop." b. "Sexual expression is considered an enhancement to the quality of the older adult's life." c. "Expressing sexual needs may be difficult or impossible for some older adults." d. "Interest in physical contact tends to persist throughout life for both genders." Correct Answer A 2. A 70-year-old female patient shares with the nurse her concern that recently it takes more time to achieve an orgasm. The nurse responds most therapeutically when answering: a. "You've described a common result of aging for both men and women." b. "If you experience difficulty achieving orgasms, you should discuss that with your doctor." c. "Your body produces fewer sex hormones now, and you need more stimulation to climax." d. "I understand your concern. Let's talk more about the changes you've noticed." Correct Answer C 3. A type 2 insulin-dependent diabetic 70-year-old recently lost his wife and is experiencing impotence. Besides educating the patient on the normal effects of aging on sexual function, the nurse should initially include information regarding: a. the effect that stress has on sexual performance. b. the effect of diabetes mellitus on the vascular system. c. the link between depression and sexual dysfunction. d. sexual dysfunction related to long-term use of insulin. Correct Answer B 4. Upon entering the room of a cognitively impaired older adult patient, the nurse observes that he is exposed and rubbing his genitals. The nurse's initial concern is to: a. alert staff to be aware of this new behavior. b. provide the patient with privacy. c. assess him for possible pain and fever. d. provide a verbal cue for him to stop the behavior. Correct Answer C 5. To effectively assess an older adult patient's sexual needs, the nurse must initially: a. reflect on personal feelings that create barriers to effective communication with the patient. b. be familiar with the sexual needs of the older adult population. c. assess the patient's physical capacity to engage in sexual activities. d. inform the patient of the personal nature of the detailed questioning this assessment requires. Correct Answer A 6. An older adult patient recovering from a radical prostatectomy is discussing his postsurgical care plan with the nurse when he expresses concern about long-term impotence. The nurse initially responds: a. "I'd suggest a consult with a sexuality counselor for you and your partner." b. "When you've healed sufficiently, we can discuss prosthetic devices that help." c. "There are medications called phosphodiesterase inhibitors that minimize that problem." d. "While postsurgical erectile dysfunction is likely, it is generally temporary." Correct Answer D 7. The charge nurse on an extended care unit recognizes an immediate need for additional unit education regarding sexuality and the older adult when overhearing a staff member state: a. "I've had to tell her to stop touching my breasts twice today." b. "Someone needs to tell him to keep his pants zipped." c. "I realize they have needs, but I'm not sure how to handle that." d. "It's sad that Alzheimer disease causes them to become sexual perverts." Correct Answer D 8. An older adult female patient who has multiple sexual partners asks the nurse if the risk for contracting HIV really does increase as we age. The nurse shows the best understanding of this risk when responding: a. "Any time one engages in sex with multiple partners, the risk for contracting HIV increases." b. "Changes in vaginal tissue and immune function increase the risk, especially if sex is unprotected." c. "Unless you are engaging in unprotected oral sex, your risk does not increase substantially." d. "Yes, your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) including HIV, dramatically increases as you age." Correct Answer B 9. Through the open door of the patient's room, the nurse observes a male patient and his long-term partner in a romantic embrace. The nurse's priority intervention is directed toward: a. reinforcing for the staff the patient's intimacy needs. b. explaining to the patient the challenges that his relationship poses for the staff. c. offering to discuss the barriers to intimacy that the patient and his partner face. d. quietly closing the door to address the patient's right to privacy. Correct Answer D 10. The gerontologic nurse wants to begin assessing concerns related to sexuality among the population of patients seen in the clinic. What action by the nurse is best? a. Give the patients questionnaires to fill out. b. Get permission to discuss sexuality with them.