Chapter 33: Intimacy and Sexuality Touhy: Ebersole & Hess' Toward Healthy Aging, 9th Edition MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. The partner of a client comments, “Our sex life will certainly suffer now that he’s had a heart
attack.” Which statement is the basis for the nurse’s response? a. The client should no longer have sexual relations because of the demand on his heart. b. The energy expenditure during sex is equivalent to briskly climbing six flights of stairs. c. People with heart disease reduce their sexual activity out of fear of their condition. d. The couple will benefit from attending a cardiac support group. ANS: C
Many individuals are not given adequate information regarding the impact of illness on sexual relations and therefore are fearful and reduce sexual activity. Changes might be needed in order to accommodate the illness, but curtailing sexual relations is not necessary. The energy expended during sex is not equivalent to briskly climbing six flights of stairs. And while the couple may benefit from attending a support group, that fact does not address the immediate situation. DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: pp. 453–454 TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance 2. Based on recent studies, which statement regarding touch and touch zones is most accurate? a. People between the ages 66 and 100 are the most often touched. b. Newly graduated nurses tend to touch clients less often than do nursing students. c. When performing peri-care, the nurse is working within the zone of intimacy. d. The comfort of touch depends on place, situation, social status, and age. ANS: D
The comfort of touch depends on the location, situation, social status, and age. Older adults are frequently isolated and are not touched. There is no evidence to support the statement that graduate nurses touch patients less than nursing students. The zone of intimacy is within an arm’s length of the individual, and it is the space used for comforting, protecting, and lovemaking. DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: pp. 445–447 TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance 3. Which outcome regarding the effects of touch on the skin is not supported by current
research? a. Brings about sensory stimulation b. Helps relieves physical and psychosocial pain c. Is known to reduce anxiety and tension d. Improves skin integrity
