Author Question: The nurse notes swelling in the scrotum of a newborn infant. Transillumination reveals a ... (Read 39 times)

fnuegbu · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

The nurse notes swelling in the scrotum of a newborn infant. Transillumination reveals a reddish-yellow reflection. What action by the nurse is best?

A.
Document the findings and reassure the parents.
B.
Elevate the scrotum and apply ice for 20 minutes.
C.
Notify the health-care provider immediately.
D.
Obtain informed consent for emergent surgery.

Question 2

A nurse observes a student nurse examining a newborn baby boy's scrotum and testicles. The student softly palpates the scrotum with all five digits of the dominant hand and states that there is only one testicle present.

What action by the nurse is best?
A.
Ask the parents if this is a familial trait seen in male family members.
B.
Call the health-care provider and request a urology consult.
C.
Have the student repeat the exam using the proper technique.
D.
Perform the exam himself or herself and document the findings.

Yixagurpuldink · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
When the nurse assesses a swollen scrotum, it is important to determine that the scrotal sac does not contain entrapped bowel or a mass. Transillumination can determine the presence of a mass when the light directed at the scrotum does not produce a reflection. A reddish-yellow reflection indicates fluid, which will be reabsorbed on its own. The nurse should document the findings and reassure the parents. No further action is needed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The presence of only one descended testicle does call for a urology consultation. However, the student performed the examination incorrectly. The nurse should instruct the student on the proper technique (place the second finger at the posterior scrotal midline with the thumb on the anterior midline) and ask that the exam be repeated. The nurse is not helping the student by simply doing the exam. The situation of one testicle needs to be addressed whether or not this is seen frequently in this family, so asking the family about other males who had this condition is irrelevant.