An infant with hydrocele is seen in the clinic for a follow-up visit at 1 month of age. The scrotum is smaller than it was at birth, but fluid is still visible on illumination. Which of the following actions is the physician likely to recommend?
No treatment is necessary, the fluid is reabsorbing normally
Keeping the infant in a flat, supine position until the fluid is gone
Referral to a surgeon for repair
Massaging the groin area twice a day until the fluid is gone.
The Correct Answer is A
A. No treatment is necessary, the fluid is reabsorbing normally:
- This option suggests that the hydrocele is resolving spontaneously, which is often the case in infants. The physician may choose to observe the hydrocele over time as it is likely to resolve without intervention.
B. Keeping the infant in a flat, supine position until the fluid is gone:
- This option does not address the underlying cause of the hydrocele and is not a standard treatment recommendation. Additionally, positioning changes are unlikely to affect the resolution of the hydrocele.
C. Referral to a surgeon for repair:
- Surgical repair may be considered if the hydrocele persists beyond a certain age or if it causes discomfort or complications. However, it is typically not recommended in infants unless the hydrocele persists beyond infancy or causes other issues.
D. Massaging the groin area twice a day until the fluid is gone:
- Massaging the groin area is not a recommended treatment for hydrocele and may not be effective in resolving the condition. Additionally, manipulating the scrotum may cause discomfort or injury to the infant.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Measuring the child's chest circumference:
Measuring the chest circumference may not directly aid in the assessment of Wilm's tumor. While it's important for assessing respiratory conditions or monitoring growth, it's not a primary assessment for Wilm's tumor, which primarily affects the abdomen.
B. Palpating the child's abdomen:
This is an essential action in assessing for Wilm's tumor. The nurse should carefully palpate the abdomen to check for any masses, swelling, or tenderness, as these could be indicative of the tumor.
C. Measuring the child's occipitofrontal circumference:
This measurement pertains to the head circumference and is not directly related to the assessment of Wilm's tumor. While it's important for monitoring head growth and development, it's not a priority when assessing for Wilm's tumor.
D. Placing the child in an upright position:
Placing the child in an upright position may be necessary for certain assessments or procedures, but it's not directly related to assessing for Wilm's tumor. The focus should primarily be on abdominal assessment and palpation to detect any signs of the tumor.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Abdominal wall defect:
Failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours after birth can indicate a potential obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. While an abdominal wall defect could potentially cause gastrointestinal issues, it is not specifically associated with failure to pass meconium.
B. Celiac disease:
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by an abnormal immune response to gluten. While celiac disease can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, it is not typically associated with failure to pass meconium in the newborn period.
C. Intussusception:
Intussusception occurs when one segment of the intestine telescopes into another, causing a bowel obstruction. While intussusception is a cause of bowel obstruction in infants, it typically presents with symptoms such as colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, and the passage of "currant jelly" stool, rather than failure to pass meconium.
D. Hirschsprung disease:
Hirschsprung disease is a congenital condition characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal portion of the colon, leading to functional obstruction. Failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours after birth is a classic sign of Hirschsprung disease. This condition requires surgical intervention to remove the affected portion of the colon and restore normal bowel function.

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