Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What type of immediate action should be taken for a patient diagnosed with testicular torsion?

1. Refer him within 48 hours to a urologist

2. Refer him to the emergency department as soon as possible

3. Prescribe ibuprofen for pain

4. Order a testicular ultrasound for further evaluation

The correct answer is: Refer him to the emergency department as soon as possible

For a patient diagnosed with testicular torsion, the immediate action that should be taken is to refer him to the emergency department as soon as possible. Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency that occurs when the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. This condition requires urgent intervention to prevent permanent damage to the testicle. Time is critical, as the longer the testicle remains ischemic (without blood supply), the higher the risk of necrosis and loss of the testicle. Ideally, surgical detorsion and stabilization should occur within six hours of the onset of symptoms to maximize the chances of testicular viability. The other options, while they might seem reasonable in other contexts, do not meet the urgent need provided by this diagnosis. Referring a patient within 48 hours, prescribing pain medication, or ordering further evaluation through an ultrasound would delay necessary surgical intervention and could lead to serious complications. Hence, the priority in this situation is rapid transfer to an emergency facility where surgical management can be initiated immediately.