Question

The parents of a newborn male with hypospadias want their child circumcised. The best response by the nurse is to inform them that

A) Circumcision is delayed so the foreskin can be used for the surgical repair
B) This procedure is contraindicated because of the permanent defect
C) There is no medical indication for performing a circumcision on any child
D) The procedure should be performed as soon as the infant is stable

Answer 1

The best response to parents considering circumcision for a child with hypospadias would be to counsel them on the potential medical and psychological repercussions, suggesting a delay in any irreversible procedures until the child can give informed consent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The complexities surrounding circumcision in the context of conditions like hypospadias are multi-layered, often involving considerations of both immediate medical benefits and future psychological impact. Advising parents that circumcision should be conducted as soon as the infant is stable is an oversimplification; instead, it's crucial to balance the need for medical intervention with the potential for identity issues or regret related to irreversible procedures conducted before an individual can consent.

For instance, cases like David Reimer's and the experiences of intersex individuals who have undergone sex assignment surgeries highlight the ethical dilemma in making permanent anatomical changes to children's bodies. These cases suggest that parents should be provided with comprehensive information, and possibly delay permanent decisions until the child can participate in the choice, aligning with perspectives from advocates like Hida Viloria and Anne Fausto-Sterling who favor a more conservative approach to early surgeries.