Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Male Reproductive Conditions Related

Review Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Male Reproductive Conditions related questions and content

The nurse is admitting a patient scheduled for a unilateral orchiectomy for testicular cancer. The nurse notes that the patient does not talk to his partner and speaks to the nurse only to answer the admission questions. Which of the following actions is best for the nurse to take?

  • A. Ask the patient if he has any questions or concerns about the diagnosis and treatment.
  • B. Document the patient's lack of communication on the chart and continue preoperative care.
  • C. Assure the patient's partner that concerns about sexual function are common with this diagnosis.
  • D. Teach the patient and the partner that impotence is rarely a problem after unilateral orchiectomy.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The initial action by the nurse should be assessment for any anxiety or questions about the surgery or postoperative care. The nurse should address the patient, not the spouse, when discussing the diagnosis and any possible concerns. Without further assessment of patient concerns, the nurse should not offer education about complications after orchiectomy. Documentation of the patient's lack of interaction is not an adequate nursing action in this situation.