During the examination of a male client's scrotum the nurse detects a hardened area in the right side of the scrotal sac. Which is the priority nursing action based on this finding?
1. Ask the client about voiding patterns.
2. Notify the healthcare provider of this finding.
3. Use a light to perform transillumination.
4. Ask the client about sexual practices.
Correct Answer: 3
The scrotum contains the testes and the epididymis, which should not feel hard upon palpation. Areas suggesting abnormalities may be detected using transillumination, or the use of light to examine the scrotum. Upon transillumination, light should shine through the scrotum with a red glow, with the testes showing up as oval structures. Abnormal areas, such as masses, will not show penetration of the light. The client's voiding patterns or sexual practices are not relevant to this situation, and the nurse requires additional information prior to notification of the healthcare provider.
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