A nurse is monitoring a child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy for signs of hemorrhage. Which of the following findings is a sign of this postoperative complication?
Frequent swallowing
Reports of thirst
Reports of pain
Mouth breathing
The Correct Answer is A
A. Frequent swallowing is a common finding after a tonsillectomy due to postoperative throat discomfort and the sensation of having a foreign object in the throat (such as blood clots or mucus).
B. Reports of thirst may indicate dehydration, which can occur after surgery, especially if the child is not drinking enough fluids due to pain or discomfort. While dehydration can be a concern after a tonsillectomy, it is not a specific sign of hemorrhage.
C. Pain is common after a tonsillectomy and can be expected in the postoperative period. While increased pain may be present if hemorrhage occurs, it is not a specific sign of hemorrhage on its own.
D. Mouth breathing does not directly indicate bleeding and is more related to discomfort or difficulty breathing through the nose, especially if the child is experiencing throat pain. It is not a typical sign of hemorrhage.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
A. Corticosteroids help reduce airway inflammation during an asthma exacerbation, which can help improve breathing and reduce symptoms.
D. Bronchodilator medications, such as albuterol, help relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe during an asthma exacerbation. They are typically used as rescue medications to provide immediate relief of asthma symptoms.
B. Placing the client in a supine position (lying flat on their back) is not recommended during an asthma exacerbation. This position can make breathing more difficult for someone experiencing respiratory distress.
C. Vigorous physical activity can exacerbate asthma symptoms and trigger an asthma attack. During an asthma exacerbation, it's important to encourage the client to rest and avoid strenuous activities that could worsen their breathing difficulties.
E. Cold compresses are not recommended for asthma exacerbations. Warm, moist air may help loosen mucus and ease breathing, but cold compresses could potentially exacerbate symptoms or discomfort.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. An oxygen saturation level of 85% is significantly below the normal range and indicates hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels). This finding is concerning, especially in a child with cystic fibrosis, which can lead to respiratory complications such as airway obstruction, infection, or mucus plugging.
A. A blood glucose level of 140 mg/dL is within the normal range for children, so this finding would not typically require immediate reporting to the provider.
B. A serum sodium level of 156 mEq/L is significantly elevated and above the normal range. However, hypoxia is the priority.
C. A red blood cell (RBC) count of 3.2 million/µL falls within the normal range for children, so this finding would not typically require immediate reporting to the provider.
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