A nurse in the emergency department is assessing an adolescent who reports sudden and severe testicular pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Obtain a urology consult for immediate evaluation: Sudden, severe testicular pain in an adolescent is highly concerning for testicular torsion, a surgical emergency. Prompt urologic evaluation is critical to restore blood flow and prevent irreversible testicular ischemia and loss. B. Apply heat to the affected area for relief: Heat application is inappropriate in acute scrotal pain and may delay diagnosis and treatment of testicular torsion, potentially worsening ischemic injury. C. Recommend the client take over-the-counter pain relievers and monitor pain over the next few days: Delaying evaluation in the setting of acute testicular pain risks permanent damage or loss of the testicle. Observation and analgesics alone are unsafe without ruling out torsion. D. Determine if the adolescent has had exposure to the mumps recently: Mumps orchitis typically presents with gradual onset of testicular pain and swelling, often with systemic symptoms. While history is relevant, immediate evaluation for torsion takes priority.