Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What physical exam finding in a 15-year-old male may indicate a delay in puberty?

1. Small smooth testicles with no pubic or facial hair

2. Smooth testicles with rugated scrotum

3. Coarse and curly pubic hair

4. Straight pubic hair with a long thin penis

The correct answer is: Small smooth testicles with no pubic or facial hair

The finding of small smooth testicles with no pubic or facial hair in a 15-year-old male suggests a delay in puberty. During puberty, one key indicator of male development is the growth and maturation of the testicles, along with the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as pubic and facial hair. At the age of 15, most males begin to exhibit these changes as part of normal puberty; hence, the absence of pubic and facial hair, combined with the presence of small, smooth testicles, raises concerns about the timing and progression of sexual maturation. In typical development, testicular volume increases, and hair growth typically begins in this age range; therefore, the lack of these indicators points to a potential delay in normal pubertal development. Other options could present variations in testicular or hair development, but they do not indicate a clear delay as evidenced by the chosen finding. The focus on smooth testicles of small size and the absence of secondary sexual characteristics in option A conveys significant information about the individual’s pubertal status.