What findings should the nurse anticipate when teaching an adolescent about testicular self-examination?

When teaching an adolescent about testicular self-examination, anticipating that a firm and smooth organ can be palpated is essential. This finding is indicative of healthy testicular tissue. The testicles should feel firm to the touch, with a smooth texture. It is important to educate adolescents that any irregularities, such as lumps or hard areas, should prompt a medical evaluation, as these could be signs of potential health issues.

In the context of the other options, testicular pain should not be considered normal and may warrant further investigation if experienced during self-examination. Additionally, while both testicles need to be examined, they should ideally be assessed one at a time to ensure a thorough evaluation of each. Lastly, the examination should be performed in a comfortable setting, and temperature restrictions like cold water may not enhance the examination or are not typically a recommended practice. Overall, reinforcing the knowledge of what a healthy testicle feels like contributes significantly to the effectiveness of the self-examination process.