A patient experiencing a swollen scrotum is found to have fluid ...

[mckennatimberlake]

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

Question 2

A patient who is complaining of heaviness in his scrotum has learned that his serum lactic acid dehydrogenase level is normal. This information should indicate to the nurse that the patient:
 
  1. needs more diagnostic tests for testicular cancer.
  2. has testicular cancer.
  3. does not have testicular cancer.
  4. has a spermatocele.

[jackie]

Answer to Question 1

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.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Elevations in serum lactic acid dehydrogenase levels are associated with the presence of testicular cancer, and may be significantly elevated when metastatic disease is present. This laboratory test is a less specific indicator of testicular cancer than the human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha-fetoprotein. The levels alone are not sufficient to make a diagnosis of cancer and should promote further testing. Levels of serum lactic dehydrogenase would not be useful in diagnosis of spermatocele.