Final answer:
The nurse would instruct the client on monthly testicular self-examinations to detect any irregularities such as lumps or pain, which could be signs of testicular cancer. Protective measures include wearing a protective cup during contact sports and maintaining genital hygiene. Diagnostic tests for testicular cancer include ultrasound and blood tests, and treatment may involve surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse would provide the client with information on how to conduct a testicular self-examination (TSE). This procedure is important for early detection of testicular cancer, which has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers when diagnosed early. The nurse would instruct the client to perform TSE monthly, ideally after a warm bath or shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed. The client should examine each testicle separately, using both hands to roll the testicle gently between the fingers, feeling for any lumps, changes in size, or irregularities. The nurse would also inform the client of the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer, which include lumps, swelling, or pain in the testicle area.
It is also important to protect the testes from injury by wearing a protective cup during contact sports such as football, boxing, and hockey. Maintaining genital hygiene and avoiding contact with potentially infectious body fluids are essential for keeping the reproductive system healthy. For women, a monthly self-exam of the breasts is recommended for cancer detection. In addition to physical exams, diagnostic tests such as ultrasound and blood tests are used to diagnose testicular cancer. If cancer is detected, treatment typically involves surgery to remove the affected testis, potentially followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Even after the removal of one testicle, reproductive functions can still be maintained if the remaining testicle is healthy.