lecture 10: sexual health assessment

Question 1

what are some factors that influence sexual and reproductive health?

Answer 1

• individual
• family (we teach how we’ve been taught)
• community
• determinants of health
• culture
• policy

Question 2

lifespan considerations

Answer 2

• childbearing years
• newborns and infants
• children and adolescents (tanner staging, puberty, menarche)
• older adults

Question 3

what is the tanner’s stages?

Answer 3

• stages of development of the male and female reproductive organs (dick and balls) (bobs and vagine)
• also shows pubic hair growth
• stages 1-5

Question 4

things to consider when gathering sexual health history? and how to?

Answer 4

• rapport first (build relationship), assessment after
• reflect on your own comfort level, it will show
• consider your language
• avoid leading questions with implicit expectations
• client might be uncomfortable, work with it
• questions must have therapeutic purpose
• never assume
• remain non-judgemental in questions and responses
• check your body language and facial expressions

Question 5

what does a sexual risk assessment consist of? 5Ps

Answer 5

1. Partners
2. Practices (alcohol, drugs)
3. Past history of STDs
4. Protection from STDs
5. Pregnancy plans

Question 6

sexual orientation and gender identity - things to know

Answer 6

• ask about preferred pronoun
• don’t make assumptions about how the client identifies with and their sexual orientation
• sexual orientation and behaviours often change overtime
• try to use the same words your client uses to talk about themselves and their partners
• if u don’t understand something they have said, ask them to tell you more

Question 7

physical assessment - things to know

Answer 7

nurse’s role in physical assessment will vary depending on the setting
- very intimate assessment
- right to chaperone if desired
- remember to strive for as much privacy as possible
- be aware of language during physical assessment

Question 8

screening for abuse - things to know

Answer 8

• because the word “abuse” can be misunderstood, it’s better to ask questions about specific behaviours
• Allow patients the opportunity to share
• might be hard for the patient to talk about
• past abuse matters too, this is where trauma and violence informed care is important

Question 9

health promotion/teaching for sexual health

Answer 9

• safer sex guidelines
• immunizations
• breast self examination
• testicular self examination
• pap smears
• PSA testing