What are the main components of a male GU physical exam?

• A. Blood pressure, heart rate, and lung auscultation
• B. Visual inspection - genitals up to abdomen; palpation; special tests
• C. Visual inspection only
• D. Palpation only

Answer: (B)

In a male genitourinary exam, the exam is built around inspecting what's visible, then feeling what's inside, and using targeted tests to gather additional information. You begin with a visual inspection of the external genitalia and groin area, extending up to the lower abdomen, looking for any abnormalities such as lesions, swelling, discharge, or signs of hernias. After that, you move to palpation to assess the testes, scrotum, epididymis, and the inguinal region, checking for size, consistency, tenderness, and any masses or irregularities, as well as evaluating for hernias. Finally, you perform special tests to further evaluate conditions that aren’t always evident on inspection or palpation alone—for example, maneuvers to detect inguinal hernias and other GU pathologies, or using techniques like transillumination to distinguish fluid-filled from solid masses.

That combination—visual inspection, palpation, and selective special tests—best reflects the standard approach to a male GU physical exam. Visual inspection alone misses internal findings, palpation alone misses surface issues, and focusing on systemic vitals or chest/lung sounds is outside the scope of this specific exam.