The nurse notes that an older female patient refuses care offered by a male nursing assistant. Which outcome should the nurse assess in the patient?

The nurse notes that an older female patient refuses care offered by a male nursing assistant. Which outcome should the nurse assess in the patient?

• A. Anxiety
• B. Dehydration
• C. Weight loss
• D. Anger

Answer: (A)

When an older patient shows a gender preference for who provides care, the immediate issue is an emotional response—anxiety—about being cared for by someone of the opposite gender. The nurse should assess the patient’s anxiety level, what specifically triggers it (privacy concerns, vulnerability during intimate tasks, past experiences), and how it affects her willingness to participate in care. Addressing this anxiety is key: offer a same-gender caregiver if possible, ensure privacy and consent, explain procedures clearly, and involve the patient in decisions about who provides care. These steps help reduce fear, promote trust, and improve cooperation. Dehydration or weight loss can be consequences of ongoing avoidance, and anger might be present in some cases, but the primary and most actionable assessment is the patient’s anxiety response to the care situation.

When an older patient shows a gender preference for who provides care, the immediate issue is an emotional response—anxiety—about being cared for by someone of the opposite gender. The nurse should assess the patient’s anxiety level, what specifically triggers it (privacy concerns, vulnerability during intimate tasks, past experiences), and how it affects her willingness to participate in care. Addressing this anxiety is key: offer a same-gender caregiver if possible, ensure privacy and consent, explain procedures clearly, and involve the patient in decisions about who provides care. These steps help reduce fear, promote trust, and improve cooperation. Dehydration or weight loss can be consequences of ongoing avoidance, and anger might be present in some cases, but the primary and most actionable assessment is the patient’s anxiety response to the care situation.