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. While newborns need to feed frequently, particularly breastfed infants, parents do not need to wake their baby for every feeding unless advised by their healthcare provider due to specific concerns like low birth weight.
B. After birth, the newborn receives initial vaccinations, such as the hepatitis B vaccine. The next set of vaccinations is typically administered at the 1 or 2-month check-up, so no additional immunizations are needed immediately after discharge.
C. Full head control is generally achieved by around 4 months of age, not 1 month.
D. Babies typically triple their birth weight by around 12 months of age, not by 4-6 months.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A PEFR of 45% of the personal best indicates a moderate asthma exacerbation, but immediate hospitalization is not necessarily required unless there are severe symptoms or other indicators of serious distress.
B. At 45% of the personal best PEFR, the child is experiencing a moderate asthma exacerbation. The recommended action is to use a quick-relief inhaler like albuterol, which is effective in providing immediate relief. Inhaled corticosteroids are part of the long-term management but should not replace the use of a quick-relief inhaler during an exacerbation.
C. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist used for maintenance therapy and is not typically used for acute exacerbations. Albuterol is preferred in this situation for immediate relief.
D. While monitoring PEFR is important, action should be taken when PEFR falls below 50% of the personal best, and more immediate intervention is needed at 45% of the personal best.