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. Ice pops are often recommended after tonsillectomy to help soothe the throat and provide hydration.
B.Although ice cream is cold and can soothe the throat, it is not the best option immediately after surgery. Dairy products, including ice cream, can sometimes lead to increased mucus production, which could irritate the throat and make swallowing more difficult during the healing process.
C. Offering hot tea is not recommended immediately following a tonsillectomy. Hot beverages, including tea, can increase the risk of bleeding and discomfort at the surgical site.
D. Cranberry juice is not an appropriate choice immediately post-tonsillectomy. While hydration is essential for recovery, acidic or tart beverages like cranberry juice may irritate the surgical site and increase discomfort.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. The narrowing of the aorta results in increased resistance to blood flow beyond the constriction, leading to decreased blood pressure in the lower body, including the legs. As a result, the blood pressure in the arms may be significantly higher than in the legs, creating a notable blood pressure gradient between the upper and lower extremities.
A. Pulmonary edema is not a typical manifestation of coarctation of the aorta. Coarctation of the aorta involves a narrowing of the aortic arch, typically occurring after the branching of the vessels supplying the upper body.
C. Severe cyanosis is not typically associated with coarctation of the aorta. Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood, is more commonly seen in conditions affecting pulmonary circulation or oxygenation of the blood, such as congenital heart defects involving right-to-left shunting of blood.
D. A machine-like murmur is not a typical finding in coarctation of the aorta. The characteristic murmur associated with coarctation of the aorta is a systolic ejection murmur heard best over the back or left axilla.
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