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A nurse is assessing a child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

 

A.

Sore throat.

B.

Frequent swallowing.

C.

Blood-tinged mucus.

D.

Dark brown emesis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

A sore throat is a common and expected finding after a tonsillectomy due to irritation from the procedure. While it can cause discomfort, it is not a priority concern unless it worsens significantly or is accompanied by other symptoms indicating complications such as bleeding or infection.

Choice B rationale:

Frequent swallowing can be a sign of bleeding after a tonsillectomy. The child may swallow more often to clear blood or blood clots from the throat, which could indicate that there is active bleeding from the surgical site.

Choice C rationale:

Blood-tinged mucus is a common finding in the immediate postoperative period after a tonsillectomy. It is expected due to the healing process and is not a cause for concern unless it becomes profuse or is accompanied by active bleeding.

Choice D rationale:

While dark brown vomit may indicate that the child has swallowed blood, it is not as immediately concerning as frequent swallowing, which could suggest active bleeding at the surgical site. Dark brown emesis is typically less alarming, but it should still be monitored closely.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Correct. Malaise, which is a general feeling of discomfort or unease, is a common manifestation of bacterial pneumonia in children.
B. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is not a common manifestation of bacterial pneumonia.
C. Rhinorrhea (runny nose) is not typically associated with bacterial pneumonia; it is more commonly seen in viral respiratory infections.
D. Drooling is not a common manifestation of bacterial pneumonia.

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}

Explanation

A. Start an IV bolus of lactated Ringer's solution: Not Indicated

- The client's medical record does not indicate a need for fluid resuscitation or immediate volume replacement.

B. Stay with the client for the first 15 min of the transfusion: Not Indicated

- There is no mention of a blood transfusion in the provided information. Therefore, staying with the client during a transfusion is not relevant.

C. Obtain the first unit of packed RBCs from the blood bank: Not Indicated

- There is no indication of a need for a blood transfusion in the client's assessment findings.

D. Document the blood product transfusion in the client's medical record: Not Indicated
- Since there is no indication of a blood transfusion, documenting a transfusion is not relevant.

E. Titrate the rate of infusion to maintain the client's blood pressure at least 90/60 mm Hg: Not Indicated
- While it's important to monitor and maintain the client's blood pressure, the provided information does not suggest that the client's blood pressure is significantly low (90/60 mm Hg) or that they are receiving any infusions that need titration for blood pressure management.

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