A nurse is collecting data from a child who is 1 hr postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
Frequent swallowing
Report of sore throat
Dark brown blood between the teeth
Coffee-ground appearance of emesis
The Correct Answer is A
A. Frequent swallowing: Frequent swallowing after a tonsillectomy can be a sign of active bleeding from the surgical site. Even if bleeding is not visible, the child may be swallowing blood, which can lead to significant hemorrhage. This is the priority finding that requires immediate intervention.
B. Report of sore throat: A sore throat is an expected and normal finding after a tonsillectomy due to surgical trauma and healing. It does not represent an urgent or life-threatening complication.
C. Dark brown blood between the teeth: Dark brown blood suggests old, minimal bleeding and is not as concerning as active bright red bleeding. While it should be monitored, it is not the priority compared to signs of active hemorrhage.
D. Coffee-ground appearance of emesis: Coffee-ground emesis suggests the presence of digested blood, often from swallowed blood, and while concerning, it is a secondary finding. Frequent swallowing points more directly to active bleeding, which is more immediately life-threatening.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I really wish I had a girl instead.": Expressing disappointment in the baby's gender may indicate difficulty bonding with the infant or potential postpartum emotional concerns. This statement warrants further evaluation to assess for postpartum depression or attachment issues.
B. "I am so relieved the baby looks like my mother.": Feeling relieved that the baby resembles a family member is a normal emotional reaction and does not typically require further psychological evaluation unless associated with more concerning behaviors.
C. "My labor was so long I'm glad it's over.": Expressing relief after a long labor is a normal reaction and does not indicate emotional distress or dysfunction that would need further mental health evaluation.
D. "My appetite has really increased.": An increased appetite two weeks postpartum is a normal physiological response as the body recovers from childbirth, particularly if the client is breastfeeding. It does not suggest a need for further emotional or physical evaluation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Clamp the urinary catheter tubing: Clamping the catheter tubing is not appropriate because it can lead to bladder distention, increased pressure, and risk of bladder rupture. Maintaining continuous drainage is essential to prevent complications following prostate surgery.
B. Replace the indwelling urinary catheter with a smaller diameter catheter: Replacing the catheter is not the first intervention when clots and dark red blood are present. Smaller diameter catheters would actually be less effective in clearing clots and could worsen the blockage.
C. Irrigate the bladder with 20 to 30 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation: Manual irrigation helps to clear clots that may be obstructing the catheter, promoting continued drainage and reducing the risk of bladder distention. Gentle irrigation is the appropriate first step to manage clot formation.
D. Allow the tubing to hang below the drainage bag: The drainage tubing should always be positioned above the collection bag to maintain gravitational drainage. Letting the tubing hang below the bag would impair drainage and could lead to backflow and infection.
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