Question

The nurse is assessing a client with epididymitis. The nurse anticipates which findings on physical examination? a. Fever, diarrhea, groin pain, and ecchymosis b. Fever, nausea, vomiting, and painful scrotal edema c. Nausea, vomiting, and scrotal edema with ecchymosis d. Diarrhea, groin pain, and scrotal edema

Short answer

b. Fever, nausea, vomiting, and painful scrotal edema

Step-by-step solution

Understand Epididymitis

Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, typically caused by infection. Symptoms often include fever and pain in the scrotal area.

Identify the Symptoms of Epididymitis

The common symptoms of epididymitis include fever, nausea, vomiting, painful scrotal swelling or edema, and tenderness.

Analyze the Answer Choices

Review each answer choice to determine which one correctly lists the symptoms of epididymitis: a) Fever, diarrhea, groin pain, and ecchymosis b) Fever, nausea, vomiting, and painful scrotal edema c) Nausea, vomiting, and scrotal edema with ecchymosis d) Diarrhea, groin pain, and scrotal edema.

Compare Symptoms with Choices

Compare the identified symptoms of epididymitis with each answer choice to find the match: - Fever, nausea, vomiting, and painful scrotal edema match the common symptoms of epididymitis.

Select the Correct Answer

Based on the comparison, the correct answer is choice b: Fever, nausea, vomiting, and painful scrotal edema.

Key concepts

Epididymitis symptoms

Epididymitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube at the back of the testicle where sperm is stored and matured. The inflammation is often caused by bacterial infections, including sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Common symptoms of epididymitis include:

• Fever: A sign that your body is fighting off an infection.
• Nausea and Vomiting: General signs of infection and inflammation.
• Painful Scrotal Swelling: The scrotum may become red, warm, and enlarged.
• Tenderness: The affected area often becomes highly sensitive to touch.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Physical examination findings

When assessing a client with suspected epididymitis, the nurse will look for several key physical signs to confirm the diagnosis. These findings include:

• Pain and Tenderness: The nurse might note significant discomfort when the scrotum is examined.
• Scrotal Edema: Swelling of the scrotum is a common physical sign.
• Redness and Warmth: Inflamed areas often appear red and feel warm to the touch.
• Fever: Measured using a thermometer, this can indicate underlying infection.

During the physical examination, it is essential for the nurse to take a detailed patient history and consider other symptoms to rule out similar conditions like testicular torsion or hernia. This ensures a comprehensive and accurate clinical assessment.

NCLEX-RN review

For those preparing for the NCLEX-RN, understanding the assessment and symptoms of epididymitis is crucial. Here are some key points to consider:

• Epididymitis is mainly caused by bacterial infections, some of which can be sexually transmitted.
• Common symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, painful scrotal swelling, and tenderness.
• During the assessment phase, nurses must look for physical signs such as scrotal edema, redness, warmth, and tenderness.
• Immediate and correct identification of these symptoms ensures the patient receives the appropriate treatment quickly, preventing complications.

In NCLEX-RN exam questions related to epididymitis, students should look for answer choices that reflect the typical symptoms and physical findings associated with this condition. Understanding the pathophysiology, symptoms, and appropriate interventions will prepare you well for both the exam and real-life practice environments.