What does a digital rectal exam assess in male patients?

The digital rectal exam (DRE) specifically assesses the prostate gland and helps identify any potential abnormalities such as enlargement, tenderness, or nodules that could indicate conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer. This exam allows healthcare providers to evaluate the size, shape, and consistency of the prostate, which is an essential part of male reproductive health.

The other options pertain to areas that are not directly evaluated during a DRE. For example, the condition of the bladder is typically assessed through methods such as bladder ultrasounds or cystoscopy, rather than through a rectal exam. The texture of the skin may be evaluated through visual and physical examinations of the surface area, rather than through this internal examination. Kidney function is generally assessed using blood tests to measure levels of creatinine and other substances or through imaging studies, not via a rectal approach. Therefore, the DRE's primary relevance lies in its focus on the prostate gland.