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Chapter 49
Assessment and Management of Problems Related to Male
Reproductive Processes
Chapter 49
Assessment and Management of Problems Related to Male
Reproductive Processes
Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Male Reproductive SystemMale Reproductive System
• Includes conditions that affect reproduction, sexuality, and urinary elimination
• Patient may experience anxiety and embarrassment
• Be sensitive to cultural and emotional issues related to sexuality and the genitals to accomplish effective assessment and communication
• Provide for privacy and education
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Structures of the Male Reproductive Tract Structures of the Male Reproductive Tract
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AssessmentAssessment
• Urinary function and symptoms
• Sexual function and manifestations of sexual dysfunction
• Symptoms related to urinary obstruction
– Increased urinary frequency
– Decreased force of stream
– “Double” or “triple” voiding
– Nocturia, dysuria, hematuria, and hematospermia
• Medications, drug, and alcohol use
• Presence of conditions that may affect sexual function (diabetes, cardiac disease, and multiple sclerosis)
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PLISSITPLISSIT
• Model of sexual assessment and intervention
– Permission
– Limited Information
– Specific Suggestions
– Intensive Therapy
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Physical AssessmentPhysical Assessment
• Digital rectal exam
• Testicular exam
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Examination of the ProstateExamination of the Prostate
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Diagnostic TestsDiagnostic Tests
• Prostate specific antigen (PSA)
• Ultrasonography
• Prostate fluid or tissue analysis
• Tests of male sexual function
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Disorders of Male Sexual FunctionDisorders of Male Sexual Function
• Erectile dysfunction
– Psychogenic and organic causes
– Organic causes include vascular, endocrine, hematological, and neurologic disorders, trauma, alcohol, medications, and drug abuse
– Chart 49-1 lists classes of medications associated with erectile dysfunction
• Ejaculation problems
– Premature ejaculation
– Retrograde ejaculation
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Evaluation and Treatment of Erectile DysfunctionEvaluation and Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
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Medical ManagementMedical Management
• Pharmacologic therapy– Oral medications: sildenafil (Viagra)
Side effects include headache, flushing, dyspepsia Caution with retinopathy Contraindicated with nitrate use
– Injected vasoactive agents
• Complications include priapism (persistent abnormal erection)
– Urethral suppositories• Penile implants• Negative pressure devices • See Table 49-2
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Conditions of the ProstateConditions of the Prostate• Prostatitis: inflammation caused by an infectious agent
– Treatment includes appropriate anti-infective agents and measures to alleviate pain and spasm
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, enlarged prostate)
– Affects half of men over age 50 and 80% of men over age 80
– Manifestations are those of urinary obstruction, urinary retention, and urinary tract infections
– Treatment
• Pharmacologic: alpha-adrenergic blockers, alpha- adrenergic antagonists, and antiandrogen agents
• Catheterization if unable to void• Prostate surgery
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Prostate CancerProstate Cancer• Second most common cancer and the second most
common cause of cancer death in men
• Risk factors include increasing age, familial predisposition, and African American race
• Manifestations– Early disease has few/no symptoms
– Symptoms include urinary obstruction, blood in urine or semen, and painful ejaculation
– Symptoms of metastasis may be the first manifestations
• Early diagnosis is vital; regular health screening is crucial• Treatment may include prostatectomy, radiation therapy,
hormonal therapy, and/or chemotherapy
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Prostate Surgery ProceduresProstate Surgery Procedures
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Prostate Surgery Procedures (cont.)Prostate Surgery Procedures (cont.)
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Nursing Process—Assessment of the Patient Undergoing Prostatectomy
Nursing Process—Assessment of the Patient Undergoing Prostatectomy
• Assess how the underlying disorder (BPH or prostate cancer) has affected the patient’s lifestyle
• Urinary and sexual function
• Health history
• Nutritional status
• Activity level and abilities
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Nursing Process—Diagnosis of the Patient Undergoing Prostatectomy
Nursing Process—Diagnosis of the Patient Undergoing Prostatectomy
• Anxiety
• Acute pain preoperatively
• Acute pain postoperatively
• Deficient knowledge
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Collaborative Problems/Potential Complications
Collaborative Problems/Potential Complications
• Hemorrhage and shock
• Infection
• DVT
• Catheter obstruction
• Sexual dysfunction
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Nursing Process—Planning the Care of the Patient Undergoing Prostatectomy
Nursing Process—Planning the Care of the Patient Undergoing Prostatectomy
• Major goals preoperatively include adequate preparation and reduction of anxiety and pain
• Major goals postoperatively include maintenance of fluid volume balance, relief of pain and discomfort, ability to perform self-care activities, and absence of complications
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Relief of Pain Relief of Pain
• Monitor urinary drainage and keep catheter patent• Assessment of pain
– Bladder spasms cause feelings of pressure and fullness, urgency to void, and bleeding from the urethra around the catheter
• Medication and warm compresses or sitz baths relieve spasms
• Administer analgesics and antispasmodics as needed
• Encourage patient to walk but to avoid sitting for prolonged periods
• Prevent constipation• Irrigate catheter as prescribed
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Three-Way System for Bladder IrrigationThree-Way System for Bladder Irrigation
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InterventionsInterventions
• Reduce anxiety
– Be sensitive to potentially embarrassing and culturally charged issues
– Establish a professional, trusting relationship
– Provide privacy
– Allow the patient to verbalize concerns
– Provide and reinforce information
• Provide patient teaching including explanations of anatomy and function, diagnostic tests and surgery, and the surgical experience
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Rehabilitation and Home CareRehabilitation and Home Care
• Provide patient and family teaching for home care including care of urinary drainage devices and recognition and prevention of complications
• Regain bladder continence
– Regaining control is a gradual process (dribbling may continue for up to one year depending upon the type of surgery)
– Perineal exercises
• Avoid straining, heavy lifting, long car trips (for 6 to 8 wks)
• Diet: encourage fluids and avoid coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods
• Assess sexual issues and provide referrals as needed
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Testicular CancerTesticular Cancer
• Most common cancer in men age 15 to 40
• Highly treatable and curable
• Risk factors: undescended testicles, positive family history, cancer of one testicle, Caucasian American race
• Manifestations: painless lump or mass in the testes
• Early diagnosis: monthly testicular self-exam (TSE) and annual testicular exam
• Treatment: orchidectomy, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (open or laparoscopic), radiation therapy, and chemotherapy
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Testicular Self-ExamTesticular Self-Exam
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Nursing Management Nursing Management
• Assess physical and psychological status
• Support coping ability
• Address issues of body image and sexuality
• Encourage a positive attitude
• Provide patient teaching
• Provide TSE and follow-up care
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Conditions Affecting the PenisConditions Affecting the Penis
• Hypospadias and epispadias
• Phimosis
• Penile cancer
– Bowen’s disease
• Priapism
• Peyronie’s disease
• Urethral stricture
• Circumcision
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