A nurse is caring for a child who is to receive percussion, vibration, and postural drainage. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Drink eight glasses of fluid daily: This is crucial advice for patients with sickle cell anemia, as adequate hydration helps prevent sickling of red blood cells and reduces the risk of vaso-occlusive crises. Therefore, this precaution is appropriate and should be included in discharge teaching.

B. Maintain an updated Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) immunization: While vaccination is essential for overall health, maintaining Hib immunization is not directly related to sickle cell anemia or vaso-occlusive crises. However, it's still important for the child's general well-being and should be addressed but may not be the priority in discharge teaching for sickle cell anemia.

C. Avoid playground activities at school: Children with sickle cell anemia are at risk of vaso-occlusive crises triggered by dehydration, fatigue, or extreme physical exertion. While playground activities can be strenuous, completely avoiding them may not be necessary. Instead, the child should be educated on the importance of staying hydrated, taking breaks when needed, and avoiding excessive physical strain.

D. Assume postural drainage positions every 6 hours: Postural drainage is not typically indicated for sickle cell anemia or vaso-occlusive crises unless there are specific respiratory complications. This precaution is not relevant to the management of sickle cell anemia and should not be included in discharge teaching for this condition.

A. Drooling:

Drooling can occur post-tonsillectomy due to throat discomfort or swelling. However, it is not specific to hemorrhage. It may result from pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing.

B. Continuous swallowing:

Continuous swallowing is indeed a clinical manifestation of hemorrhage after a tonsillectomy. The presence of blood in the throat triggers the swallowing reflex, leading to frequent swallowing by the patient. This symptom is characteristic of hemorrhage and requires immediate medical attention.

C. Poor fluid intake:

Poor fluid intake can occur post-tonsillectomy due to pain, discomfort, or nausea. While it can be a concern for overall recovery, it is not specific to hemorrhage.

D. Increased pain:

Increased pain can be associated with hemorrhage, especially if it is sudden, severe, or worsening. However, it is not as specific as continuous swallowing in indicating hemorrhage post-tonsillectomy. Increased pain can also be due to various other reasons such as inflammation, infection, or trauma.