Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Health Promotion of the Newborn and Family Related

Review Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Health Promotion of the Newborn and Family related questions and content

When doing the first assessment of a male newborn, the nurse notes that the scrotum is large, edematous, and pendulous. What should this be interpreted as?

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

Rationale: A large, edematous, and pendulous scrotum in a term newborn, especially in those born in a breech position, is a normal finding. A hydrocele is fluid in the scrotum, usually unilateral, which usually resolves within a few months. An inguinal hernia may or may not be present at birth. It is more easily detected when the child is crying. The presence or absence of testes should be determined on palpation of the scrotum and inguinal canal. Absence of testes may be an indication of ambiguous genitalia.