PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which symptom is associated with epididymal pain?

1. Scrotal swelling

2. Red and warm scrotum

3. Severe itching

4. Chronic dull pain

The correct answer is: Red and warm scrotum

The presence of red and warm scrotum is a key symptom associated with epididymal pain, which typically suggests inflammation or infection of the epididymis, such as in cases of epididymitis. Inflammation can lead to increased blood flow to the area, resulting in redness and warmth. This symptom is a hallmark of infection-related causes of epididymal pain and is often accompanied by tenderness. In contrast, scrotal swelling may occur in several conditions affecting the scrotum, and while it can be present in epididymitis, it is not specific to epididymal pain alone. Severe itching is more indicative of dermatological issues or allergic reactions, rather than an underlying process like epididymitis. Chronic dull pain may reflect chronic conditions but does not capture the acute inflammatory process that is common in epididymitis, where pain is typically more severe and acute rather than dull. Thus, red and warm scrotum stands out as a more characteristic and specific sign when considering acute epididymal pain and its associated conditions.