A nurse is providing education to a group of older adults about sexuality and aging.

Which of the following information should the nurse include?

The correct answer isA, B, and C.

These interventions are appropriate for a client who has impaired tactile sensation due to aging.

• Ais correct because monitoring the client’s skin for signs of injury or infection can help prevent complications such as pressure ulcers, burns, or infections that might go unnoticed by the client due to reduced sensitivity.

• Bis correct because teaching the client to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures can protect the client from thermal injuries such as frostbite or heatstroke that might not be felt by the client due to diminished thermoreception.

• Cis correct because encouraging the client to use assistive devices for mobility and balance can enhance the client’s safety and independence by compensating for the loss of proprioception and kinesthesia that might impair the client’s coordination and stability.

• Dis wrong because providing the client with sensory stimulation such as massage or music is not directly related to impaired tactile sensation due to aging.While sensory stimulation might have other benefits for the client’s well-being, it does not address the specific problem of reduced touch perception.

• Eis wrong because advising the client to wear loose-fitting clothing and shoes is not helpful for a client who has impaired tactile sensation due to aging.In fact, loose-fitting clothing and shoes might increase the risk of falls or injuries by creating friction or slipping off the client’s body.

Normal ranges for tactile sensation vary depending on the type of stimulus, the location of the skin, and the method of testing.

However, some general guidelines are:.

• Vibration sense: normal threshold is less than 10 μm at 30 Hz on the fingertip.

• Temperature sense: normal threshold is less than 1°C difference between two stimuli on the forearm.

• Pressure sense: normal threshold is less than 10 g/mm2 on the fingertip.

• Pain sense: normal threshold is less than 0.5 g/mm2 on the fingertip.

The correct answer is B.

Older adults may experience changes in sexual response or function due to physiological factors.This is because aging can affect the sex organs, hormones, blood flow, and nerve signals that are involved in sexual arousal and performance.These changes do not mean that older adults cannot enjoy a satisfying sex life, but they may require some adjustments or treatments to overcome any difficulties.

Choice A is wrong because older adults have the same need for intimacy and affection as younger adults, and sexuality is an important component of emotional and physical intimacy that can enhance well-being and quality of life.

Choice C is wrong because older adults with chronic diseases or disabilities can still have sexual activity, as long as they are comfortable and safe.They may need to consult with their health care providers about any precautions or modifications they should make to accommodate their conditions.

Choice D is wrong because older adults are not at lower risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than younger adults.In fact, older adults may be more vulnerable to STIs due to lower immune function, thinner vaginal tissues, lack of condom use, and other factors.

Therefore, older adults should practice safe sex and get tested regularly for STIs.

Normal ranges for sexual response or function vary widely depending on the individual, the partner, the situation, and other factors.

There is no one standard or ideal way to experience sexuality and intimacy in older adulthood.The most important thing is to communicate openly with one’s partner and health care provider about any concerns or preferences, and to seek help if needed.