A young man feels something in his scrotum and comes to you for clarification. On your examination, you note what feels like a "bag of worms" in the left scrotum, superior to the testicles. Which of the following is most likely? A) Hydrocele of the spermatic cord B) Varicocele C) Testicular carcinoma D) A normal vas deferens Varicocle Varicoceles are common in normal men. They are often found in the left scrotum or bilaterally and should normally resolve in the supine position. This is because they represent varicosities within the scrotum. These require further investigation if they occur only on the right side or do not resolve in the supine position. They can contribute to infertility because the testicles are unable to achieve a cool enough temperature for sperm production, due to increased blood flow from the varicocele. A hydrocele would be a painless mass on the spermatic cord and the vas deferens is palpated as part of the spermatic cord. You should lightly pinch the scrotum medially and move laterally until you feel the spermatic cord pass between your fingers. Which of the following changes are expected in vision as part of the normal aging process? A) Cataracts B) Glaucoma C) Macular degeneration D) Blurring of near vision Ans: D The lens loses its elasticity over time as part of the normal aging process, and the eye is less able to accommodate and focus on near objects; therefore, the patient will be expected to have blurring of near vision. A 68-year-old mechanic presents to the emergency room for shortness of breath. You are concerned about a cardiac cause and measure his jugular venous pressure (JVP). It is elevated. Which one of the following conditions is a potential cause of