Talking with the patient

How to teach testicular self-exam

Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.

MD / DOPANursing (NCLEX)
Practice it in VR with Blocky

Testicular cancer is most common in young men and is very treatable when found early. Teaching the patient what is normal for him helps him notice changes.

Step by step

  1. Explain why

    Tell the patient that the goal is to learn what feels normal so new changes stand out. Speak plainly and respect privacy. [1]

  2. Pick the right time

    Suggest doing it after a warm shower, when the scrotum is relaxed. [2]

  3. Examine one side at a time

    Hold the testicle between thumb and fingers and roll it gently. It should feel smooth and firm, like a hard-boiled egg without the shell. [2]

  4. Know the normal parts

    Explain that the soft, rope-like structure at the back is the epididymis and is normal. One side may be a bit larger. [2]

  5. Look for changes

    Feel for lumps, hard areas, swelling or a change in size. Note any heaviness or ache. [2]

  6. Know when to call

    Any new lump or change should be checked soon. Sudden severe pain is an emergency. [3]

  7. Confirm with teach-back

    Ask the patient to describe the steps and what to report. [1]

Common errors

Practice it in VMS

In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.

VMS cases that train this skill

Sources

  1. AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (Teach-Back)
  2. Open RN, Nursing Fundamentals 2e (CC BY 4.0)
  3. NCCPA PANCE Content Blueprint
  4. AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs)

Facts and steps follow AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs); AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (Teach-Back). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.