3 Cryptorchidism (Undescended Testes) Nursing Care Plans

By
Paul Martin, BSN, R.N.
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Cryptorchidism (Undescended Testes) is a condition present at birth in which one or both testes fail to descend through the inguinal canal into the scrotal sac. It is generally observed in preterm babies since the testes do not pass down from the abdomen to the scrotal sac until the seventh month of intrauterine life. Symptoms of undescended testes rarely cause discomfort. The entire scrotum, or one side, will appear smaller than normal and may appear incompletely developed.

If the testes do not descend spontaneously on the first 12 months of life, a child may receive human chorionic gonadotropin therapy or surgery (orchiopexy) that is performed between 1 to 2 years of age. Surgery prevents damage to the testes that may be affected by exposure to an increased temperature in the abdomen. In addition, early repair also prevents a negative effect on body image and embarrassment brought about by the difference in the appearance of the empty smaller scrotal sac. Undescended testes that are related to the presence of an inguinal hernia are repaired at the time of herniorrhaphy. Failure of the testes to descend can occur at any point along the normal path of descent into the scrotum.

Nursing Care Plans

The focus of nursing care planning in clients with cryptorchidism (undescended testes) is to provide preoperative and postoperative care, give emotional support regarding body image, decrease anxiety, and prevent the occurrence of complications.

Here are three (3) nursing care plans (NCP) and nursing diagnosis (NDx) for Cryptorchidism:

  1. Anxiety
  2. Risk for Infection
  3. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity
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Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity

Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity: At risk for altered epidermis and/or dermis.

May be related to

  • External factor of surgical incision

Possibly evidenced by

  • [not applicable]

Desired Outcomes

  • Client/caregivers will understand and demonstrate behaviors or methods to avoid skin breakdown or help healing process.
Nursing InterventionsRationale
Assess incision site, observe for formation of hematoma, swelling, and presence of bleeding and wound drainage.Initially, swelling and bruising near the incision area is normal and will disappear after several days.
Instruct the mother about the importance of proper nutrition and adequate fluid intake.Poor nutritional intake increases the risk of skin breakdown and weakens healing process.
Provide routine incisional care.Promotes healing and fasten recovery.
Stress the importance of keeping the wound clean and dry. The incision should not be soaked for about 5 days.Prolonged exposure to moisture makes the skin soften and swell causing a break in the integrity of the skin.
Instruct caregiver to not remove the white strips or clear plastic dressing.The incision may be covered with small
pieces of tape (Steri-Strips) and a clear dressing that should be left in place since these will come off on their own and will not need to be replaced.
Instruct mother to keep the child’s fingernails short or to use gloves when severe itching is present.Decreases the risk of dermal injury.
Educate caregivers on skin and wound assessment and to watch out for signs and symptoms of infection, complications, and healing.Early assessment prompts immediate intervention thus preventing the occurrence of complications.
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