FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What condition is indicated by a lump in the left testis and aching in a 29-year-old male patient without other symptoms?

1. Scrotal hernia

2. Testicular torsion

3. Varicocele

4. Epididymitis

The correct answer is: Scrotal hernia

A lump in the left testis accompanied by aching in a 29-year-old male patient, particularly when presented without other symptoms, is likely indicative of a scrotal hernia. This condition occurs when tissue, such as a part of the intestine, bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, often into the scrotum. The lump may feel firm and can vary in size, and the aching sensation can result from pressure on surrounding structures. Testicular torsion, while presenting with acute scrotal pain and swelling, would typically occur suddenly and is often accompanied by other significant symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Varicocele refers to enlarged veins within the scrotum, which may cause a dull ache but doesn't typically present as a distinct lump. Epididymitis usually presents with a reddened, swollen scrotum and associated symptoms such as fever or urinary symptoms, neither of which are reported in this case. Thus, the characteristics of the lump and aching without additional symptoms align most closely with a scrotal hernia. Understanding the presentations of these various conditions allows for accurate assessment and diagnosis in clinical practice.