A nurse is collecting data from a child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following is a clinical manifestation of a hemorrhage?

A. "When I use this technique the medication will not run out of the ear."

This explanation is not entirely accurate. While pulling the auricle down and back may help prevent ear drops from immediately dripping out of the ear, the primary purpose of this technique is to straighten the ear canal, facilitating the passage of the medication into the inner ear region for optimal effectiveness. The prevention of medication runoff is a secondary benefit.

B. “This opens the ear canal, allowing medication to reach the inner ear region.”

This explanation is correct. Pulling the auricle down and back helps to straighten the ear canal, making it easier for the ear drops to enter the ear canal and reach the inner ear where they can effectively treat the condition. This is the main purpose of using this technique.

C. “This is the safest and easiest way to administer this medication.”

While pulling the auricle down and back is a commonly used technique for administering ear drops, describing it as the safest and easiest way may not fully capture its purpose. Safety and ease of administration are important considerations, but the primary rationale for this technique is to facilitate the delivery of medication to the inner ear.

D. “When I use the technique, your child experiences less pain.”

This explanation is inaccurate. Pulling the auricle down and back may not directly reduce pain. The main purpose of this technique is to ensure that the medication reaches the inner ear region for effective treatment. While discomfort during administration may be minimized with proper technique, the primary focus is on medication delivery rather than pain reduction.

A. Cranberry juice

Cranberry juice may be too acidic and could irritate the surgical site. It's best to avoid acidic beverages immediately following a tonsillectomy.

B. Ice-cream

This option is suitable. Ice-cream is cold and soothing, and it can help numb the throat, providing relief from discomfort after a tonsillectomy. However, it's essential to ensure that the ice-cream is not too cold to avoid causing discomfort.

C. Hot tea

Hot tea is not recommended immediately following a tonsillectomy. Hot liquids can irritate the surgical site and may cause discomfort. It's best to avoid hot beverages until the throat has had time to heal.

D. Italian ice

Italian ice is a frozen dessert similar to a slushy, and it can be a suitable option after a tonsillectomy. Like ice-cream, Italian ice is cold and can help numb the throat, providing relief from discomfort.