Cryptorchidism is? - HPSSC - 2015

HPSSC - 2015

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: HPSSC - 2015

Explanation

Cryptorchidism, also known as an undescended testis, is the failure of one or both testes to descend from the abdomen into their proper position in the scrotum before birth.
The term originates from the Greek words 'kryptos' (hidden) and 'orchis' (testis), literally meaning 'hidden testis'.
It is the most common congenital anomaly of the male genitourinary tract, affecting about 1-4.5% of male infants at birth.
The condition is significant because the higher temperature inside the abdomen can impair sperm development and increases the risk of testicular cancer and infertility later in life.

Option B: This describes an inguinal hernia, where abdominal contents, such as the intestine, protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles into the groin or scrotum.
Option C: This describes a hydrocele, which is a collection of serous fluid within the tunica vaginalis, the sac surrounding the testis.
Option D: This describes phimosis, a condition where the foreskin (prepuce) is too tight to be pulled back over the head (glans) of the penis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of Cryptorchidism and Differential Diagnosis of Scrotal/Penile Anomalies as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are responsible for performing newborn physical assessments, which include carefully palpating the scrotum to confirm the presence of both testes. An empty or hypoplastic scrotum is a key finding for cryptorchidism.
Educating parents is a vital nursing role. This includes explaining the condition, the possibility of spontaneous descent in the first few months, and the importance of surgical correction (orchiopexy) if it persists, typically between 6-12 months of age.
Untreated cryptorchidism carries significant long-term risks, including a three- to five-fold higher risk of testicular cancer, infertility due to tubular atrophy, and an increased likelihood of testicular torsion.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests the definition of a specific medical term.
First, identify the keyword in the stem, which is 'Cryptorchidism'.
Next, try to recall the definition from your medical terminology knowledge. Break down the word: 'Crypto-' means hidden, and 'orchid' refers to the testis. Thus, it means 'hidden testis'.
Then, evaluate each option against this definition. The first option, 'Failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum,' directly matches the meaning of cryptorchidism.
Finally, briefly define the other options in your mind to confirm they are incorrect. Protrusion of contents is a hernia, fluid is a hydrocele, and a narrow foreskin is phimosis. This process confirms that the first option is the only correct choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Definition of Cryptorchidism and Differential Diagnosis of Scrotal/Penile Anomalies
Stem keywords: Cryptorchidism
Lead-in keywords: is

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 966-968

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