A care aide at a long-term care facility has left a note for the care director stating that an 82-year-old resident has a grossly distended scrotum and a likely inguinal hernia. On examination, the resident has been diagnosed instead with hydrocele. What will the care team most likely tell the resident and his family about his diagnosis?
A) "We'll get you to the hospital quickly, because if this isn't treated, it can result in a blockage in the blood flow to your testes."
B) "This isn't a result of your intestine entering your scrotum, but an accumulation of fluid within your testes."
C) "This can sometimes result from the lower level of sex hormones that comes with age, so you will likely benefit from a testosterone supplement."
D) "While distressing to look at, this condition usually doesn't have any significant consequences and won't need treatment."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hydrocele in adult males is normally considered benign condition that does not warrant treatment unless mobility is affected. Fluid accumulates in the space between the tunica vaginalis and tunica albuginea, not within the testes themselves, and hormone therapy is not indicated.

A Care Aide at a Long-Term Care Facility Has Left