An older adult patient has recently experienced some difficulty sustaining an erection as a result of medication he has been prescribed. The nurse best assesses the patients perception of his own sexuality by asking

A. Reflex tone refers to the neurological response of the body to stimuli and is not directly related to the action or monitoring of anticoagulant therapy. While assessing reflexes might be important for overall patient health, it is not specifically relevant to monitoring the effects of warfarin. Reflex tone does not provide information on the anticoagulation status or risk of bleeding associated with warfarin therapy.
B. Checking the body for bruising helps assess the safety of warfarin therapy and may indicate the need for dosage adjustments or further investigation if bruising is excessive. However, while monitoring for bruising is essential, it is not the primary method for assessing the effectiveness and safety of anticoagulant therapy.
C. While monitoring kidney function is relevant for overall medication management, it is not the primary focus for directly assessing the effectiveness or safety of warfarin therapy. Kidney function is more related to adjusting doses and avoiding potential complications.
D. Regularly reviewing PT is crucial for managing warfarin therapy because it directly reflects the anticoagulation effect of the medication. The International Normalized Ratio (INR), derived from PT, is used to ensure the patient is within the therapeutic range for effective anticoagulation while minimizing the risk of bleeding.

A. This question focuses on future preparedness and may come off as presumptive or confrontational. It doesn't directly address the patient's personal feelings or experiences but rather implies an expectation about how they and their spouse will handle the situation over time. This might not encourage an open discussion about the patient's personal perception of their sexuality.
B. This question directly addresses how the sexual dysfunction affects the patient’s intimate relationship, which can provide insight into the patient's personal perception and emotional response to the problem. It allows the patient to discuss how their condition affects their intimate life and personal feelings, promoting a deeper understanding of their experience.
C. This question focuses on coping mechanisms and may shift the focus away from the patient's personal feelings to how both partners are managing the situation. While it can provide useful
information about coping strategies, it may not fully explore the patient’s individual perceptions and
emotional impact.

D. This question explores relational issues caused by the sexual dysfunction. It might elicit information about interpersonal conflicts or challenges but might not fully capture the patient’s personal feelings about their sexuality or how the dysfunction specifically impacts their self-perception and intimate experiences.