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 D
Explanation
A. Fats: While fats provide energy and help with cell membrane structure, they are not the primary nutrient required to promote wound healing. Excess fat intake without proper balance may not directly aid in faster tissue repair.
B. Calcium: Calcium is important for bone health and muscle function but does not play a central role in soft tissue wound healing. It is more critical in fracture healing rather than open wound repair.
C. Vitamin D: Vitamin D supports calcium absorption and bone health. Although it contributes to immune function, it is not the main nutrient needed to directly repair skin and soft tissue wounds.
D. Protein: Protein is essential for wound healing because it supports cell growth, tissue repair, and immune function. Adequate protein intake is critical to form new tissue, promote collagen synthesis, and restore skin integrity in clients with open wounds.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Your baby needs to suck on a pacifier.": While non-nutritive sucking on a pacifier can sometimes soothe a fussy baby, it is not the first recommendation, especially for a newborn who is establishing breastfeeding. Early introduction of pacifiers can interfere with successful breastfeeding due to nipple confusion.
B. "Breastfed babies are usually fussy from swallowing too much air during feedings.": Although some air swallowing can occur, especially if the latch is poor, this is not typically the primary reason for persistent crying. Addressing crying with soothing techniques like swaddling is a more immediate and supportive intervention for the parent.
C. "Swaddling your baby snugly in a blanket might help soothe her.": Swaddling provides warmth, security, and a sense of being back in the womb, which can calm a newborn effectively. It reduces the startle reflex and helps regulate the baby's nervous system, often resulting in decreased crying and improved comfort.
D. "Breastfed babies often need to be supplemented with formula.": Routine supplementation with formula is not recommended for healthy breastfed newborns unless there are clear medical indications. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding supports optimal nutrition, bonding, and gut health in the early postpartum period.
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