Nurse's Pocket Guide

cause such as diabetes, vascular problems. Monitor penile
tumescence during REM sleep to assist in determining
physical ability.
• Explore with client the meaning of client’s behavior. Masturbation,
for instance, may have many meanings/purposes,
such as for relief of anxiety, sexual deprivation, pleasure, a
nonverbal expression of need to talk, way of alienating.
(Note: Nurse needs to be aware of and be in control of own
feelings and response to client expressions/self-revelation.)
• Avoid making value judgments as they do not help the client
to cope with the situation.
NURSING PRIORITY NO.2.To assist client/SO to deal with individual
situation:
• Establish therapeutic nurse-client relationship to promote
treatment and facilitate sharing of sensitive information/
feelings.
• Assist with treatment of underlying medical conditions,
including changes in medication regimen, weight management,
cessation of smoking, and so forth.
• Provide factual information about individual condition
involved. Promotes informed decision making.
• Determine what client wants to know to tailor information
to client needs. Note: Information affecting client safety/consequences
of actions may need to be reviewed/reinforced.
• Encourage and accept expressions of concern, anger, grief, fear.
Client needs to talk about these feelings to begin resolution.
• Assist client to be aware/deal with stages of grieving for loss/
change.
• Encourage client to share thoughts/concerns with partner and
to clarify values/impact of condition on relationship.
• Provide for/identify ways to obtain privacy to allow for sexual
expression for individual and/or between partners without
embarrassment and/or objections of others.
• Assist client/SO to problem solve alternative ways of sexual
expression. When client is unable to perform in usual manner,
there are many ways the couple can learn to satisfy sexual
needs.
• Provide information about availability of corrective measures
such as medication (e.g., papaverine or sildenafil—Viagra—
for erectile dysfunction) or reconstructive surgery (e.g.,
penile/breast implants) when indicated.
• Refer to appropriate resources as need indicates (e.g., healthcare
coworker with greater comfort level and/or knowledgeable
Information in brackets added by the authors to clarify and enhance
the use of nursing diagnoses.
Diagnostic Studies Pediatric/Geriatric/Lifespan Medications 613
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION