A 15-year-old boy presents to the emergency department after a straddle injury with complaints of testicular pain and swelling. Which of the following interventions is the priority for the nurse?

Choice A reason: While emergency surgery may be necessary in cases of testicular torsion or severe trauma, initiating preoperative orders without a confirmed diagnosis is premature. The nurse must first ensure appropriate evaluation and consultation before surgical preparation. This step is dependent on the urologist’s assessment and imaging confirmation. Choice B reason: Administering acetaminophen addresses pain but does not address the underlying cause of testicular swelling and trauma. Pain management is important but not the priority when there is potential for testicular compromise, such as torsion or hematoma, which can lead to ischemia and loss of the testicle if not promptly treated. Choice C reason: Initiating a consult for a urologist is the priority because testicular pain and swelling following trauma may indicate serious conditions such as testicular torsion, rupture, or hematoma. These require immediate evaluation by a specialist to determine the need for surgical intervention or other urgent management. Timely consultation can prevent complications such as infertility or testicular necrosis. Choice D reason: Obtaining a urine specimen may be useful to rule out urinary tract involvement or hematuria, but it is not the priority in acute testicular trauma. The focus should be on preserving testicular viability and ruling out surgical emergencies, which requires specialist input.