A patient with a recent myocardial infarction (MI) has asked if he can talk to the nurse about sex. What should the nurse do?

Explanation

• It is expected for patients to be curious about when it may be safe for them to resume normal sexual activity.  The nurse should prepare patient teaching information to give to the patient and instruct him that he may resume normal sexual activity.

• The nurse should prepare patient teaching information to give to the patient and instruct him that he may resume normal sexual activity based on his symptoms. This may be as soon as two weeks, but the physician will want him to wait until he is feeling wel,l and to avoid any vigorous activity (including sexual activity) if the patient is experiencing any shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain, or lightheadedness.

• The incident should not be interpreted as malicious or be reported without first assessing the situation. 

• Staff should never avoid a patient's room. 

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