Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment and Management of Patients With Male Reproductive Disorders Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment and Management of Patients With Male Reproductive Disorders related questions and content

A patient who is scheduled for an open prostatectomy is concerned about the potential effects of the surgery on his sexual function. What aspect of prostate surgery should inform the nurses response?

  • A. Erectile dysfunction is common after prostatectomy as a result of hormonal changes.
  • B. All prostatectomies carry a risk of nerve damage and consequent erectile dysfunction.
  • C. Erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy is expected, but normally resolves within several months.
  • D. Modern surgical techniques have eliminated the risk of erectile dysfunction following prostatectomy.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Prostatectomies risk damaging pudendal nerves, leading to permanent erectile dysfunction in some cases. Hormonal changes are not the cause, resolution is not guaranteed, and modern techniques reduce but do not eliminate the risk.