A nurse is closely monitoring a pediatric client following a tonsillectomy. Which finding would alert the nurse to a postoperative complication?
Dry mouth
Reports of mild to moderate pain
Dried flecks of blood in oral secretions
Frequent swallowing
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Dry mouth is expected postoperatively, especially if the child is not drinking adequate fluids, but it is not a sign of a complication.
B. Mild to moderate pain is expected after a tonsillectomy and should be managed with analgesics.
C. Dried flecks of blood in oral secretions can be normal immediately after surgery, but active bleeding would be concerning.
D. Frequent swallowing is a sign of possible postoperative bleeding, which is a serious complication that requires immediate evaluation and intervention.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. PKU is typically diagnosed through a blood test, not a urine test. The blood test measures phenylalanine levels, which are elevated in PKU.
B. Untreated PKU can lead to severe cognitive deficits and developmental delays due to the accumulation of phenylalanine, which is toxic to the brain. Early detection and treatment can prevent these outcomes.
C. In PKU, the urine does not typically contain high levels of phenyl pyruvic acid; it is the blood levels of phenylalanine that are elevated.
D. The effects of PKU are not reversible; however, with early and consistent treatment, such as a strict low-phenylalanine diet, the symptoms can be managed effectively.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Bradycardia, constipation, and hypotonia are common symptoms associated with congenital hypothyroidism due to the reduced metabolism that results from decreased thyroid hormone levels.
B. Elevated serum T3 and T4 would not be expected in congenital hypothyroidism; these levels are typically low.
C. Tachycardia, diarrhea, and tremors are more indicative of hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism.
D. In congenital hypothyroidism, the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is typically elevated as the body attempts to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more hormones.