Class 4 - Sexual Function

Question 1

What is sexual wellbeing? (3)

Answer 1

• Sexual Function
• The picture of “great sex” is not what is painted by the media
• These findings illustrate that optimal sexuality is not necessarily about technique or skill, but rather about attitude, positive behaviours and healthy relationships

Question 2

What are the 4 factors contributing to sexual ill-being (sexual dysfunction)?

Answer 2

• physiological
• psychological
• environmental
• maturational

Question 3

What are some physiological examples of physiological factors affecting sexual function? (2)

Answer 3

• Alteration in the physiological functions of the body systems
  ex. cardiovascular, resp. etc
• acute illness, infection, surgery, pregnancy, aging

Question 4

What are examples of psychological factors affecting sexual function?

Answer 4

• Any stressor that impacts the human psyche has the potential to result in sexual dysfunction
  ex. Fear, anxiety, fatigue, self-image, religion, trauma

Question 5

What are examples of maturational factors affecting sexual function? (2, 4)

Answer 5

1. Knowledge Deficit
   - related to sexuality, birth control, safer sex practice and changes with aging
2. Lack of social skills
   - can interfere with establishing intimate and social relationships necessary for growth and development

Question 6

What are examples of environmental factors affecting sexual dysfunction? (2)

Answer 6

• environmental pollutants and chemicals can depress sexual function
• Patients’ environment-like social isolation and lack of privacy, absence of partner

Question 7

Which populations are at risk for sexual dysfunction? (3)

Answer 7

• adolescents
• persons living with disabilities (cognitive, developmental and physical)
• newly unpartnered

Question 8

Which individuals are at risk for sexual dysfunction? (4, 7)

Answer 8

1. those that do not practice safe sex
2. Use of drugs (prescription or illicit), alcohol, cannabis
   - related to impaired judgement and less thoughtfulness related to sex
3. Underlying medical conditions
   - chronic health conditions or medication use
4. Vulnerability
   - social location, rise for exploitation

Question 9

What are the “5 P’s” for sexual history?

Answer 9

1. Partners
2. Practice
3. Protection (from infection)
4. Past (hx of infection)
5. Prevention (of pregnancy)

Question 10

What is the nurse’s role when it comes to sexuality and patients? (3)

Answer 10

• think back to what personal values, beliefs, cultural, family expectations and experiences that might influence how you respond to sexuality
• check our biases, assumptions, and judgements
• Nursing actions is to assess, primary and secondary preventions, collaborative interventions