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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Rheumatic fever often develops as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal throat infections, particularly group A Streptococcus. A history of a recent sore throat in a family member could suggest a streptococcal infection, which is a risk factor for developing rheumatic fever.
B. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and is not directly related to rheumatic fever. While viral infections can trigger or exacerbate rheumatic fever in susceptible individuals, chickenpox itself is not a significant risk factor for rheumatic fever.
C. Fifth disease, also known as erythema infectiosum, is caused by parvovirus B19 and is not associated with rheumatic fever. Fifth disease primarily affects the skin, causing a characteristic rash, and is typically a mild illness in children.
D. Gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining, is not directly related to rheumatic fever. While some gastrointestinal conditions may be associated with autoimmune disorders, gastritis itself is not a known risk factor for rheumatic fever.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should ensure that the rope knots are positioned away from the pulleys to prevent interference with the traction mechanism. Proper alignment of the rope and pulleys ensures smooth traction application and prevents accidental slippage or dislodgment of the traction weights.
A. Buck's traction typically does not involve pin sites. It involves the application of traction to the affected limb using a boot or traction tape. Antibiotic ointment is not typically applied to the skin under Buck's traction unless there are specific wounds or abrasions that require treatment.
C. Ensuring the child's feet are against the footboard is not applicable to Buck's traction, which does not require the feet to be against a footboard.
D. There is typically no need to reduce a child's fluid intake solely because they are in Buck's traction for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Adequate hydration is essential for overall health and healing, and fluid restriction is not indicated unless there are specific medical reasons for doing so.
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