Challenge Your Exam Readiness With Our Free AOCNP Practice Questions

Cancer care includes addressing sexual health proactively. The PLISSIT (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, Intensive Therapy) framework provides a structured, evidence-based pathway. Begin by normalizing the topic and inviting discussion (Permission). Offer targeted education about treatment-related changes (Limited Information). Provide Specific Suggestions: water- or silicone-based lubricants for intercourse, regular vaginal moisturizers, graded vaginal dilator use to prevent stenosis, pelvic floor physical therapy, and strategies for communication with partners. If symptoms persist or are complex (pain disorders, significant body-image distress), coordinate Intensive Therapy via sexual medicine, gynecology, or psycho-oncology. Reassurance alone (Option A) risks worsening dysfunction. Automatic systemic estrogen (Option C) is inappropriate without individualized risk assessment, especially in hormone-sensitive tumors. Advising abstinence (Option D) can exacerbate anxiety and relationship strain. The APRN should assess for contraindications to local estrogen, screen for depression/anxiety, address menopausal symptoms, and provide culturally sensitive resources, ensuring follow-up to evaluate response and adjust the plan.