Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 1937 of 2368

A client has had a rigid erection for over four hours without sexual stimulation, and blood is unable to leave the penis. What should the nurse do first?

  1. Notify the provider immediately for prompt treatment
  2. Reassure the client that the erection will resolve without treatment
  3. Apply a warm compress and recheck in the morning
  4. Encourage fluids and schedule a clinic visit next week
Show answer

Correct answer: Notify the provider immediately for prompt treatment

This type of priapism is a medical emergency. Without prompt treatment it can progress to permanent erectile dysfunction.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Reproductive Concepts: Sperm. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026