Sexuality of postinfarction patients: diagnosis, results and nursing intervention

To identify the main nursing diagnosis and to analyse and select the appropriate outcomes and interventions for postinfarction patients.

After a cardiac event, few patients resume their sexual life with the same intensity and frequency they used to have, and some patients do not even do it. Doubtful and insecure reactions are observed in both patients/partners and health professionals. These behaviours are frequently taboos and preconceptions about sexuality which are still taken as real among us.

Exploratory study.

Integrative literature review with online search on the Virtual Health Library (BVS) and websites. The most relevant diagnosis in the general literature was compared with International Classification for Nursing Practice and North-American International Nursing Diagnosis Association. The outcomes were selected from Nursing Outcome Classification, and the interventions and activities were based on the general literature and Nursing Intervention Classification.

Sexual dysfunction was the most relevant diagnosis described in the general literature. The characteristics and related factors were specified in patient's/their partner's verbalisation of the physical difficulties in having sexual activity and in their social and emotional reactions to the disease and to the prescribed medicine. The selected priority results were sexuality and knowledge on sexuality. The counselling intervention was chosen as the most appropriate.

It was possible to get to the wide understanding of the sexual dysfunction as a nursing diagnosis expressed in the daily routine of the care to the postinfarction patient. Its identification requires knowledge and abilities to acknowledge its characteristics and related factors, which served as support for selection of outcomes, interventions and nursing activities.

Association between diagnosis, outcomes, interventions and nursing activities established for the postinfarction patient is strategic so as to guide the nurses who operate in the cardiovascular area and may contribute towards refinement of the nursing classifications.