When the urethral opening is situated on the ventral side of the shaft of the penis, it is called as?

IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Medical Surgical Nursing

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Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Explanation

Hypospadias is the medical term for a congenital defect in which the urethral opening is located on the ventral surface (underside) of the penis.
This condition results from the incomplete development of the urethra in utero.
The term 'ventral' is the key anatomical direction specified in the question, directly corresponding to the definition of hypospadias.
It is often accompanied by a 'dorsal hood,' where the foreskin is only present on the top side, and chordee, a downward curvature of the penis.

Option A: Epispadias is incorrect because it refers to the urethral opening being on the dorsal (upper) surface of the penis, which is the opposite of the condition described.
Option C: Hydrocele is a collection of serous fluid within the tunica vaginalis of the scrotum, causing swelling. It does not involve the location of the urethral opening.
Option D: Phimosis is the inability to retract the foreskin over the glans penis. It is a condition related to the prepuce (foreskin), not the location of the urethral meatus.

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.
The most critical nursing responsibility for a newborn with hypospadias is to ensure that circumcision is not performed. The foreskin is a vital source of tissue for surgical repair (urethroplasty).
Parents should be educated about the condition and reassured. They need to understand the plan for surgical correction, which is typically done between 6-12 months of age to minimize psychological trauma and before toilet training begins.
Post-operative care involves managing a urinary stent or catheter, monitoring for signs of infection, controlling pain, and restricting strenuous activities to ensure proper healing.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question stem: 'urethral opening', 'ventral side', and 'penis'.
The term 'ventral' is the crucial directional clue, meaning the underside or front surface of the body.
Recall the definitions of the congenital anomalies listed in the options.
Differentiate between 'hypospadias' (ventral opening) and 'epispadias' (dorsal opening). These are common opposites tested together.
Eliminate options like 'hydrocele' and 'phimosis' by recognizing they relate to different anatomical issues (scrotal fluid and foreskin tightness, respectively), not the location of the urethral meatus.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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