A nurse is caring for a client who has a vented NG tube set to low intermittent suction and has vomited.

Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?

The correct answer is D. Remind the client to use the incentive spirometer.

Choice A rationale:

Observing the position of the suspended weight is beyond the scope of practice for assistive personnel (AP). This task requires assessment skills to ensure proper alignment and functioning of the traction system, which is the responsibility of the nurse.

Choice B rationale:

Checking the client’s pedal pulse on the right leg involves assessment and clinical judgment to evaluate perfusion and detect potential complications such as impaired circulation. This is not a task that can be delegated to AP.

Choice C rationale:

Asking the client to describe her pain requires assessment and interpretation of subjective data, which falls under the nurse's scope of practice. Pain assessment is a critical nursing function.

Choice D rationale:

Reminding the client to use the incentive spirometer is a non-assessment task that involves reinforcing previously taught instructions. This is appropriate to delegate to assistive personnel, as it does not require clinical judgment.

The correct answer is choice C, frequent swallowing.

This indicates that the child may be experiencing hemorrhage because they are trying to clear the blood from their throat. Frequent swallowing is one of the initial signs of bleeding immediately after tonsillectomy.

Choice A is wrong because elevated pain level is not a specific sign of hemorrhage.

Pain is expected after a tonsillectomy and can be managed with medication and fluids.

Choice B is wrong because increased drowsiness is not a specific sign of hemorrhage.

Drowsiness can be caused by anesthesia, medication, or dehydration.

Choice D is wrong because diminished breath sounds are not a specific sign of hemorrhage.

Diminished breath sounds can be caused by respiratory infection, asthma, or bronchospasm.

Normal ranges for hemoglobin and hematocrit are 11.5 to 15.5 g/dL and 34 to 45% for children, respectively.

Normal ranges for platelet count are 150,000 to 450,000/mm3 for both children and adults.

Normal ranges for plasma clotting variables depend on the specific test and method used.