Question

The nurse is assessing vital signs on a client who is 3 months status post myocardial infarction (MI). While the healthcare provider is examining the client, the client's spouse approaches the nurse and states "We are too afraid he will have another heart attack, so we just don't have sex anymore." What is the nurse's best response?

Answer 1

The nurse should provide reassurance and suggest that the couple consult their healthcare provider to discuss safely resuming sexual activities, emphasizing the importance of personalized advice. A stress test can be part of evaluating the patient's readiness for physical exertion. Additionally, long-term behavior changes and medication management may reduce the risk of future MIs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best response would acknowledge the couple's fear while also providing information about the possibility of resuming sexual activity. The response could be, "It's completely understandable to be concerned about the risks after a myocardial infarction, but it's also important for quality of life to address these fears. Many patients are able to return to their usual sexual activities after discussing any necessary precautions and potential modifications with their healthcare provider." It is crucial that they consult their doctor, who is familiar with the specifics of the patient's health, to provide personalized advice. A stress test, similar to the administration of thallium-201 followed by a treadmill test, can help assess if physical exertion poses a risk to the heart's function and blood flow, which can be a part of determining the safety of resuming sexual activity after an MI. Moreover, the nurse could recommend discussing long-term behavior changes to reduce the risk of another MI, such as diet and exercise recommendations, in addition to any necessary medication management for blood pressure, cholesterol, and clotting.