Assessing the Anus, Rectum, Prostate, and Male Genitalia

Identify the structures to palpate during the adult rectal examination.

-Anal ring -Prostate -Rectal wall -Sphincter

How can the examiner determine whether a bulge in the groin is a hernia?

-Ask the patient to bear down -Push contents back into the inguinal canal

On examination of the urethral meatus, which elements should be assessed?

-Color -Discharge -Location -Orifice size

Which elements of the scrotum should the examiner assess on inspection?

-Color -Presence of cysts -Presence of edema -Symmetry

Which features should be inspected when assessing the anus?

-Fissures -Fistulae -Hemorrhoids -Skin lesions -Skin tags

Which elements of the penis should be assessed on palpation?

-Foreskin retraction -Spermatic cord -Tenderness -Texture

Which elements are included in assessment of the urethral meatus of an infant?

-Inspecting the placement of urethra -Inspecting the shape of urethral opening

Which components are included in assessment of the anus and rectum in infants?

-Inspection of the buttocks for redness or bruising -Inspection of the pilonidal area for tufts of hair -Lightly touching the anus to assess contraction

Which elements should be assessed when palpating the anal ring?

-Irregularities -Nodules -Texture -Tone

What is the correct order of the steps for introducing a finger into the rectum?

-Position the patient with the hips flexed. -Press the pad of a finger against the anal opening. -Wait for the external sphincter to relax. -Slip a fingertip into the anal canal.

In which area do femoral hernias occur?

Fossa ovalis

A hernia is described as indirect if swelling is identified in which area?

Inguinal canal

The patency of the infant anus can be determined by which type of assessment?

Passage of meconium

Which element of the rectum can be readily identified through bidigital palpation?

Perianal abscess

Which aspect of the prostate gland can be palpated?

Posterior wall

Which structure should the examiner palpate to detect the testicles in an infant?

Scrotum

Which elements should be noted on palpation when assessing the sacrococcygeal and perianal areas?

Tenderness

How can the examiner determine whether a scrotal mass, found on palpation, is filled with fluid or solid?

Transilluminate the mass