FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

A 15-year-old patient reports severe testicular pain, nausea, and vomiting. What is the most concerning condition in this case?

1. Acute epididymitis

2. Torsion of the spermatic cord

3. Testicular malignancy

4. Inguinal hernia

The correct answer is: Torsion of the spermatic cord

In the scenario of a 15-year-old patient presenting with severe testicular pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting, the most concerning condition is torsion of the spermatic cord. This condition is a surgical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent irreversible testicular damage. Torsion occurs when the spermatic cord becomes twisted, compromising blood flow to the testicle, which can quickly lead to ischemia. Severe and abrupt onset of testicular pain is a hallmark symptom of this condition, often described as sudden and intense. The associated nausea and vomiting are common systemic reactions to the acute pain and distress from the testicular torsion. Time is of the essence; if the blood supply is not restored within a few hours, the testicle may become necrotic, which would lead to loss of the testicle. Other conditions like acute epididymitis, testicular malignancy, and inguinal hernia might present with testicular pain as well, but they generally do not pose the same immediate risk to the testicle's viability. Acute epididymitis is often accompanied by other signs such as fever or a gradual onset of pain. Testicular malignancy typically presents with a painless mass or swelling over time. An inguinal her