Chapter 1: Introduction

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes on sexuality and reproductive health in older adults, nursing roles, and NCLEX study strategies.

What is sexuality in older adults?

Older adults are sexual beings for their entire lives, and sexual expression is a natural and healthy part of life.

What are the changes in the female reproductive system due to aging?

Includes atrophy of the vulva, flattening labia, loss of subcutaneous fat and hair, vaginal dryness (requiring lubrication), and atrophy of the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Breasts may sag and become less firm with nipple retraction and fibrosis.

Who are nulliparous women?

Women who have not had children.

What is dyspareunia?

Painful intercourse, common in older adult women due to hormonal changes, and can be exacerbated by conditions like vulvitis or vaginitis.

What are the changes in the male reproductive system due to aging?

Includes reduction in sperm count, replacement of muscle tissue with connective tissue, seminiferous tubal changes (fibrosis, epithelium thinning), atrophy of the testes, reduced testicular mass, and ejaculation fluid with less live sperm. Testosterone levels may decrease slightly, and more time is required to achieve an erection. There's also an enlargement of the prostate gland, which is usually benign but carries an increased risk for malignancy.

What is andropause?

A slight decline in testosterone levels in men, leading to a general slowing of bodily functions.

What is the importance of a breast self-exam?

An important practice for women to detect lumps or tumors early.

What are the Pap smear guidelines for older adults?

Women over age 65 may no longer need Pap tests if they have had at least three consecutive normal results.

What is the importance of a testicular self-examination?

An important practice for men to identify changes or abnormalities.

How often do men need a prostate exam?

Men need this exam every six months to check for prostate enlargement or tumors.

What are some common myths about older adult sexuality?

Common misconceptions include that older adults cannot engage in sex, that body changes cannot be managed, that sex causes heart attacks, that sex is unimportant, and that STIs are not a concern for this age group.

What is the reality of older adult sexuality?

Approximately 67% of adults aged 60-80 are interested in sex, and 40% are sexually active, with soaring rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

What are the benefits of sexual expression?

Includes increased happiness, energy, relaxation, improved cardiovascular health, increased self-esteem, improved relationship satisfaction, decreased pain, and reduced depressive symptoms.

What was the Sexual Revolution (1960s)?

A period that led to a significant shift in sexual education and openness in the US, prompted by social rebellion and various cultural factors.

What is menopause?

A natural transition in a woman's life involving major body and brain changes due to hormone shifts; it is not a medical disorder but rather a normal human experience with symptoms that may require management.

What is Hormone Therapy (HRT)?

A common treatment for menopausal symptoms, involving the administration of hormones, which requires careful consideration of individual risks and benefits in consultation with medical professionals.

What are some complementary and alternative therapies for menopause/aging?

Non-traditional methods for managing aging-related symptoms, including vaginal moisturizing agents, topical creams, exercise, diet, meditation, Tai Chi, and acupuncture.

What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

The inability to achieve or maintain an erection, often caused by medications (e.g., blood pressure medicine) and underlying conditions like insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome.

When might sexual dysfunction be a symptom of an underlying issue?

May indicate underlying physiological or psychological disorders such as depression, delirium, dementia, or substance abuse, as well as being a side effect of various medications.

How is sexuality managed in cognitively impaired individuals?

Individuals with cognitive decline, such as dementia, may still have sexual urges but can exhibit changes in judgment leading to inappropriate behaviors. Nurses are responsible for ensuring safety for all residents and staff while maintaining the individual's dignity and autonomy as much as possible, often through redirection and ensuring privacy.

How should sexual activity be managed in long-term care facilities?

Facilities should provide private, pleasant environments (e.g., patient's room with a locked door or a designated room) for residents to engage in sexual activity while respecting privacy and ensuring safety. Staff education on older adult sexuality and intimacy is crucial.

What must nurses ensure regarding consensual sexual activity in long-term care?

Nurses must ensure that all parties engaging in sexual activity are consenting, free from coercion, and cognitively competent to make such decisions. This may involve separate discussions and cognitive assessments.

What is the nursing role in promoting healthy sexual function?

Involves providing education (especially about STIs for older adults who might overlook risk due to no pregnancy risk), being personally comfortable discussing sexuality, and helping patients maintain sexual activity at a level important to them.

What are NextGen NCLEX (NGN) Questions?

New question formats for the NCLEX exam, including select all that apply, fill in the blank, hotspot, drag and drop, matrix, and bow tie questions, often integrated into case studies.

What is a Bow Tie Question?

An NGN question format where a case study is presented, and the test-taker must identify a potential problem, select appropriate nursing actions, and identify parameters to monitor.

What is a Matrix Question?

An NGN question format where test-takers evaluate multiple interventions or responses across different disorders or scenarios, identifying what is appropriate or inappropriate.