A nurse is preparing to develop a plan of care for a school-aged child who has been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Choice A reason: Withholding fluids until the client demonstrates a gag reflex is a preventive measure to avoid aspiration of liquids into the lungs. The gag reflex is a protective mechanism that prevents foreign objects from entering the airway. It can be impaired by anesthesia, surgery, or trauma. Therefore, the nurse should assess the client's gag reflex before offering fluids or food¹.

Choice B reason: Suctioning the nasopharynx as needed is another preventive measure to avoid aspiration of blood or secretions into the lungs. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, such as frequent swallowing, restlessness, or bright red drainage. The nurse should also avoid stimulating the throat with tongue blades, straws, or suction catheters, as this can cause bleeding or spasm¹.

Choice C reason: Placing a bedside humidifier at the head of the client's bed is not a preventive measure to avoid aspiration, but rather a comfort measure to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation. Humidified air can help moisten the mucous membranes and promote healing. However, it does not prevent fluids or solids from entering the airway².

Choice D reason: Performing chest physiotherapy is not a preventive measure to avoid aspiration, but rather a treatment measure for clients who have respiratory complications, such as atelectasis or pneumonia. Chest physiotherapy involves percussion, vibration, and postural drainage to mobilize and remove secretions from the lungs. It is not indicated for clients who are postoperative following a tonsillectomy, as it can increase the risk of bleeding or pain³.

Choice E reason: Administering an antiemetic drug if the client is nauseous is a preventive measure to avoid aspiration of vomitus into the lungs. Nausea and vomiting are common postoperative complications that can be caused by anesthesia, pain, or opioids. The nurse should assess the client's nausea level and administer antiemetic drugs as prescribed. The nurse should also position the client on the side or with the head elevated to prevent aspiration¹.

Choice A reason: Absent bowel sounds are not a finding that indicates perforation of the appendix. Absent bowel sounds could be a sign of ileus, obstruction, or peritonitis, but they are not specific to appendicitis.

Choice B reason: Low-grade fever is not a finding that indicates perforation of the appendix. Low-grade fever could be a sign of infection, inflammation, or dehydration, but it is not specific to appendicitis.

Choice C reason: Sudden decrease in abdominal pain is a finding that indicates perforation of the appendix. Sudden decrease in abdominal pain means that the pressure inside the appendix has been released, causing the appendix to rupture and spill its contents into the peritoneal cavity. This can lead to severe complications such as sepsis, abscess, or shock.

Choice D reason: Flaccid abdomen is not a finding that indicates perforation of the appendix. Flaccid abdomen could be a sign of muscle relaxation, sedation, or paralysis, but it is not specific to appendicitis.