Pediatric Research Questions Related

Review Pediatric Research Questions related questions and content

When doing the first assessment of a male newborn, the nurse notes that the scrotum is large, edematous, and pendulous. This should be interpreted as a(n):

  • A. normal finding.
  • B. hydrocele.
  • C. absence of testes.
  • D. inguinal hernia.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A hydrocele presents as a fluid-filled sac surrounding the testes within the scrotum. In newborns, it is a common finding due to the open connection between the peritoneal cavity and the scrotum that may allow fluid to accumulate. This can result in a large, edematous, and pendulous scrotum. Hydroceles are usually benign and tend to resolve on their own within the first year of life. In contrast, the absence of testes (cryptorchidism) would be identified as the inability to palpate the testes in the scrotum or inguinal canal. An inguinal hernia would present as a bulge in the inguinal area caused by a loop of intestine protruding through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.