A 58-year-old woman asks the nurse what she can do to promote healthy

A 58-year-old woman asks the nurse what she can do to promote healthy physical sexual rela-tions. Based on the client’s age, the nurse responds by saying:

1. “Using a water-based lubricant may be helpful.”
2. “Reducing the frequency of intercourse may help you.”
3. “I will refer you to a sexual therapist to better assist you.”
4. “Continue what you’ve been doing. Nothing should have changed.”

ANSWER

ANS: 1
The perimenopausal and menopausal woman may have diminished vaginal lubrication as a result of decreased levels of estrogen, thus using a water-based lubricant may help. Decreasing the fre-quency of intercourse would not promote healthy sexual relations. If a nurse is uncomfortable discussing sexual issues with a client, then he or she should get another nurse who is comfortable to talk with the client. A sex therapist is not necessary in this situation. Sex therapists address more complex sexual issues. There are some physical changes with aging that may affect sexuali-ty. The client should be educated on the expected changes and how to best address them.