Failure of descent of one or both testes at birth in newborns is called

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-2nd

Explanation

Cryptorchidism is the medical term for the failure of one or both testes to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum before birth.
It is the most common congenital anomaly of the male genital tract, occurring in about 3-5% of term male infants and up to 30% of premature infants.
The testes normally descend during the 7th to 8th month of gestation.
While many undescended testes descend spontaneously by 3-6 months of age, those that remain undescended require surgical correction to prevent complications.

Option A: Orchidopexy is the surgical procedure used to treat cryptorchidism. The suffix '-pexy' refers to surgical fixation.
Option B: Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin of the penis is too tight to be retracted over the glans. It is unrelated to the location or descent of the testes.
Option D: A hydrocele is a collection of serous fluid within the tunica vaginalis, causing swelling in the scrotum. It does not involve the failure of the testes to descend.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Congenital anomalies of the male genitourinary system as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in identifying cryptorchidism during the initial newborn assessment by carefully palpating the scrotum to confirm the presence of both testes.
Early detection and referral are crucial because untreated cryptorchidism increases the risk of testicular cancer and infertility later in life.
Parental education is a vital nursing intervention. Nurses should explain the condition, the possibility of spontaneous descent in the first few months, and the importance of follow-up appointments. If surgery (orchiopexy) is needed, it is typically performed between 6 and 12 months of age.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing your knowledge of medical terminology for congenital conditions.
First, identify the key definition in the question stem: 'Failure of descent of one or both testes'.
Next, analyze the options by defining each term. Break down the words if possible.
Orchidopexy: '-pexy' is a suffix for surgical fixation.
Phimosis: This relates to the penis/foreskin, not the testes.
Hydrocele: 'Hydro-' relates to water or fluid.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QfNAwWIBmyGudqFgHFJuOW

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

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

Practise the full NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-2nd

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.