Orchitis

Orchitis is inflammation of testicular tissue. Acute cases are most often bacterial. In sexually active people younger than 35 years, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are common causes; in older men, urinary pathogens such as Escherichia coli and other coliforms predominate. This age pattern guides empiric treatment, but it does not replace testing or assessment for emergencies. Inflammation increases local blood flow and capillary leak. Fluid then accumulates in the testis and surrounding tissues, stretching pain-sensitive structures and producing tenderness, swelling, warmth, and sometimes erythema. The epididymis is frequently involved, so the presentation may be documented as epididymo-orchitis rather than isolated orchitis. Untreated inflammation can damage testicular tissue. Possible consequences include testicular atrophy, impaired fertility, chronic scrotal pain, and a scrotal abscess. The nurse therefore assesses both the local scrotal findings and the patient’s systemic response rather than treating pain alone. Within the Canadian RPN role, the practical nurse generally performs the focused assessment, obtains ordered specimens, administers prescribed treatment, trends vital signs and symptoms, reinforces teaching, documents findings, and escalates changes. Diagnosis, prescribing, surgical decisions, and any activity outside...