A nurse is educating a group of male adolescents about testicular health.
Which self-examination practices should the nurse emphasize for early detection of testicular disorders?

Choice A rationale:

Epididymitis is characterized by inflammation of the epididymis, often due to infection.

While it can cause scrotal pain, it typically presents with symptoms such as swelling, redness, and fever.

Enlarged, twisted, and palpable veins within the scrotum are not characteristic of epididymitis.

Choice B rationale:

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency characterized by the twisting of the spermatic cord, leading to compromised blood flow to the testicle.

It presents with severe and sudden scrotal pain, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Enlarged veins within the scrotum are not a typical feature of testicular torsion.

Choice C rationale:

Varicocele is the correct choice.

A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, similar to varicose veins in the legs.

It often presents as a dull ache and pain in the scrotum, especially after prolonged standing or physical activity.

The enlarged, twisted, and palpable veins are a hallmark sign of varicocele.

Choice D rationale:

Testicular cancer can present with painless testicular lumps or swelling, but it does not typically involve enlarged, twisted veins in the scrotum.

While testicular cancer should be considered in the differential diagnosis of scrotal pain, it is not the most likely condition based on the provided symptoms.

Choice A rationale:

Swelling and enlargement of the scrotum are not typically associated with testicular torsion.

In fact, testicular torsion often presents with a high-riding, tender testicle and a higher position of the affected testicle, rather than swelling and enlargement.

Choice B rationale:

This is a correct finding associated with testicular torsion.

Severe, sudden-onset testicular pain is a hallmark symptom of this condition due to the compromised blood flow to the testicle.

Choice C rationale:

Warmth and erythema of the scrotal area are not commonly seen in testicular torsion.

These symptoms are more indicative of inflammatory conditions rather than testicular torsion.

Choice D rationale:

Absence of a cremasteric reflex is associated with testicular torsion.

The cremasteric reflex is typically absent on the side of the torsion due to the disruption of nerve signals.

Choice E rationale:

A palpable mass within the scrotum can be a sign of testicular torsion, particularly if the torsion has led to testicular swelling and distortion of the normal anatomy.