A patient experiencing a "swollen" scrotum is found to have fluid within the scrotum. Which health problem should the nurse suspect this patient will need to have treated?
1. a hydrocele
2. a spermatocele
3. a variocele
4. scrotal cancer
Correct Answer: 1
A hydrocele, which is the most common cause of scrotal swelling, is a collection of fluid within the tunica vaginalis. A hydrocele may be differentiated from a solid mass by transillumination or ultrasound of the scrotum. A spermatocele is a mobile, usually painless mass that forms when efferent ducts in the epididymis dilate and form a cyst. A varicocele is an abnormal dilation of a vein within the spermatic cord. It is caused by incompetent or congenitally missing valves that allow blood to pool in the spermatic cord veins. The dilated vein forms a soft mass that may be painful. Scrotal cancer would be manifested by a solid mass rather than a fluid-filled area.
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