CALEB MERTZ A 13-YEAR-OLD BOY:TESTICULAR PAIN
IHUMAN CASE STUDY LATEST 2024
,• Age: 13 years old
• Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
• Weight: 120 lb (54.5 kg)
• Chief Complaint: Testicular pain
History of Present Illness
1. Onset and Duration: When did the pain start? Is it acute
(sudden) or chronic (ongoing)?
2. Location and Radiation: Is the pain localized to one testicle or
both? Does it radiate to other areas, such as the lower abdomen
or groin?
3. Quality and Severity of Pain: How intense is the pain (e.g.,
mild, moderate, severe)? Is it sharp, dull, throbbing, or burning?
4. Associated Symptoms:
o Nausea or vomiting (common with testicular torsion).
o Fever or chills (could suggest an infection like
epididymitis or orchitis).
o Urinary symptoms, such as frequency, urgency, or burning
(may indicate a urinary tract infection).
5. Timing: Is the pain constant, or does it come and go? Does
anything make it worse or better (e.g., movement, rest)?
6. Previous Episodes: Has he experienced this pain before?
Medical and Surgical History
1. Previous Genital or Abdominal Issues: Any history of similar
pain, surgeries, or trauma to the area?
2. Recent Illnesses: Any recent infections, especially respiratory
or viral illnesses, that might relate to conditions like orchitis?
3. Family History: Any family history of similar issues, testicular
cancer, or genetic conditions that could predispose him to
testicular or urinary issues?
, Social and Developmental History
1. Physical Activity: Any recent physical activities or sports that
could lead to injury?
2. Pubertal Status: Onset of puberty, which may be relevant for
conditions more common during puberty, such as varicoceles or
torsion.
Sexual History
For adolescents, especially those who are beginning puberty, a
sensitive but important aspect could involve asking about any possible
sexual activity, which might influence the risk of infections (if
appropriate for the patient’s age and context).
Collecting a thorough history will help determine whether Caleb’s
pain is likely due to:
• Testicular torsion (a surgical emergency),
• Epididymitis or orchitis (infections often seen with fever),
• Trauma or injury (from sports or accidents),
• Hydrocele or varicocele (usually painless but could cause
discomfort), or
• Other potential causes.
General Appearance
• Overall Distress: Observe if Caleb appears in acute pain or
distress, which might suggest a more urgent issue like testicular
torsion.
• Vital Signs: Measure temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate,
and blood pressure to check for fever or systemic signs of
infection.
Abdominal Examination
• Palpation: Gently palpate the lower abdomen and inguinal
region to assess for any tenderness, which could indicate
referred pain from an abdominal or inguinal source.
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