A major complication of undescended testes is :

IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Explanation

Undescended testes (cryptorchidism) is the most significant risk factor for the development of testicular germ cell tumors.
The risk of malignancy is estimated to be four times higher in individuals with a history of cryptorchidism compared to the general population.
The higher temperature within the abdomen or inguinal canal is believed to contribute to abnormal cellular development (dysgenesis), which increases the risk of malignant transformation.
Even after surgical correction (orchiopexy), the risk remains elevated, necessitating lifelong surveillance and testicular self-examination.

Option A: Infection is not a primary or direct major complication of an undescended testis itself, although infections of the urinary tract or scrotum can occur for other reasons.
Option B: A hydrocele (fluid collection) is a relatively benign condition that can be associated with cryptorchidism due to a patent processus vaginalis, but it is not considered a major, life-threatening complication like cancer.
Option C: An inguinal hernia is very commonly associated with an undescended testis (often due to a patent processus vaginalis). However, the most severe and life-altering long-term complications are infertility and testicular cancer.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Complications of Cryptorchidism (Undescended Testes) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing role is educating parents about the importance of surgical correction (orchiopexy), typically recommended between 6-18 months of age, to reduce the risks of infertility and malignancy.
Nurses must teach adolescents and adult males with a history of cryptorchidism how to perform a monthly testicular self-examination (TSE), as the risk of cancer persists even after surgery.
What if? If a patient presents with an undescended testis in adulthood, the immediate priorities shift to assessing for malignancy and discussing orchiectomy (removal of the testis) rather than orchiopexy, as the testis is non-functional and carries a high cancer risk.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is 'undescended testes' (cryptorchidism).
Next, understand what the question is asking for: the 'major complication'. This implies looking for the most serious or severe outcome among the options.
Recall or deduce the potential consequences of a testis remaining outside the scrotum. Think about the function of the scrotum (temperature regulation) and the risks of abnormal tissue location.
Evaluate each option based on severity: Infection (not primary), Hydrocele (benign), Hernia (common association, but surgically correctable and less severe than cancer), and Testicular cancer (a life-threatening malignancy).
Conclude that the significantly increased risk of a life-threatening disease makes testicular cancer the most 'major' complication among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1105-1107