The nurse is reviewing the contents of a patient's medical record. Which condition should the nurse suspect is occurring in this patient?

Question

1. testicular torsion
2. varicocele
3. orchitis
4. indirect inguinal hernia

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Testicular torsion, twisting of the spermatic cord with scrotal swelling and pain occurs most often between birth and age 20, but can occur at any age. It may occur spontaneously or following trauma or physical exertion. The torsion decreases or stops testicular circulation which results in vascular engorgement and ischemia. Varicocele is an abnormal dilation of a vein within the spermatic cord which allows blood to pool in the spermatic cord and forms a soft mass that may be painful but ischemia is not present. Orchitis is an inflammatory process, which is commonly a complication of a systemic illness or epididymitis. Manifestations would include a high fever, scrotal redness, and pain. Indirect inguinal hernia involves a protrusion of the intestines into the inguinal canal, which may descend into the scrotum. Manifestations include a dull ache or sharp pain, a mass which is not painful to palpation and absence of ischemia.