CEA Nursing Practice Exam

A patient states his scrotum feels enlarged. Which diagnosis is likely?

1. Varicocele

2. Meningocele

3. Rectocele

4. Hydrocele

The correct answer is: Varicocele

The diagnosis that aligns with the symptom of an enlarged scrotum is hydrocele. A hydrocele refers to the accumulation of fluid around the testicle within the scrotum, which leads to noticeable swelling or enlargement. This condition can occur in infants or as a result of injury or inflammation in adults. It typically presents as a soft, painless swelling that can fluctuate in size and is often diagnosed through physical examination and possibly additional imaging studies. While varicocele, meningocele, and rectocele are relevant medical conditions, they do not typically present solely with an enlarged scrotum. A varicocele involves the enlargement of veins within the scrotum, which can cause discomfort but is distinguishable from a hydrocele due to its specific vascular nature. Meningocele is a type of spinal defect that does not involve the scrotum, and rectocele pertains to a herniation of the rectum into the vagina, which is unrelated to male reproductive anatomy. Thus, the diagnosis of hydrocele is most consistent with the patient's reported symptom of an enlarged scrotum.