Question

A nurse is teaching a young adult male how to perform testicular self-examination (TSE). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

1) Perform TSE once a month
2) Perform TSE every day
3) Perform TSE only when experiencing pain
4) Perform TSE in a warm shower

Answer 1

Young adult males should perform a monthly testicular self-examination, preferably in a warm shower to facilitate easier examination. The practice helps in the early detection of possible signs of testicular cancer, which is vital for effective treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Testicular Self-Examination (TSE)

To detect potential signs of testicular cancer, it is recommended that young adult males perform monthly testicular self-examinations. The nurse should include the following instructions:

1. Perform TSE once a month, as frequent examinations can help in recognizing any changes or abnormalities early on.
2. The best time to perform TSE is during or after a warm shower or bath because the warmth relaxes the scrotal skin, making it easier to feel for any lumps or changes.
3. It is not necessary to perform TSE every day. A monthly routine is sufficient unless new symptoms appear.
4. TSE should not only be performed when experiencing pain, as early stages of testicular cancer may not cause any discomfort.

Awareness of testicular health is important to identify signs and symptoms like a lump or swelling in one testis, fluid in the scrotum, and testicular pain or tenderness, which might indicate testicular cancer. Diagnosis typically involves physical exams, ultrasound, or blood tests, and treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.