Which should be included in the care plan for a 50-year-old male client during their yearly exam?

Annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is a crucial component of a care plan for a 50-year-old male client during their yearly exam, especially considering the increased risk of prostate abnormalities as men age. The PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, which can help detect early signs of prostate cancer or other prostate conditions.

Starting at age 50, men are generally encouraged to discuss prostate cancer screening options with their healthcare provider, and annual PSA testing aligns with these recommendations. It provides a baseline for monitoring changes over time, which is essential for early detection and intervention.

While a digital rectal exam (DRE) is also important, it is often performed in conjunction with the PSA test rather than as a stand-alone test. Testicular self-exams are typically more relevant for younger males and, while a transrectal ultrasound may be used in specific scenarios, such as evaluating abnormalities, it is not routinely included in yearly exams for average-risk men. Thus, PSA testing is the most vital component for this age group in routine screenings.