What should a nurse teach a client diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease about genitourinary complications?

In cases of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), altered sexual response is a significant concern because the condition can lead to reduced blood flow to the pelvic region, resulting in difficulties with sexual function. The impaired circulation affects not only the limbs but also the organs involved in sexual activity. This can manifest as erectile dysfunction in men and decreased libido or sexual arousal in women, indicating the broader implications of vascular health on sexual well-being.

While other choices may relate to genitourinary health, they are less directly linked to the vascular complications associated with PAD. Sterility may not be a direct consequence of PAD, as it primarily influences blood flow rather than reproductive capabilities. Urinary incontinence often has various causes, and while it could be present in some cases, it is not specifically tied to the alterations in blood flow that PAD causes. Decreased pelvic muscle tone might also be related but isn't as directly connected to the vascular issues inherent in PAD as altered sexual response is. Thus, educating clients on the potential for altered sexual response is crucial for their understanding and management of the condition.