A 6-month-old infant has a retractile testis that was noted at the 2-month well baby exam. What will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner do to manage this condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A retractile testis is one that can move up and down within the scrotum and is relatively common in infants and young boys. However, it is important to distinguish it from an undescended testis, which is fixed in an abnormal position and requires treatment. In this case, since the testis has not descended by 6 months, the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner should refer the infant to a pediatric urologist or surgeon for possible orchiopexy, which involves surgical fixation of the testis in the scrotum. This is because the longer the testis remains undescended or retractile, the higher the risk of complications such as impaired fertility and testicular cancer later in life. The other options are not appropriate management strategies for a retractile testis.

A 6-Month-Old Infant Has a Retractile Testis That Was Noted