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 A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Acetaminophen can be used to manage mild discomfort after cardiac catheterization. It is a safe option for pain relief and is commonly recommended for children following the procedure.
B. Bed rest is typically recommended for a shorter duration, often 24 hours, not a full week. Extended bed rest is not usually required unless complications occur.
C. The diet should be advanced as tolerated, but there is no specific requirement to wait 24 hours; this will depend on the child’s recovery and tolerance.
D. Bathing recommendations often include avoiding submerging the site in water, so a tub bath may not be advised for the first few days to prevent infection. Sponge baths might be recommended instead.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Monitoring the temperature for fever is appropriate as part of a general assessment and could help identify signs of infection.
B. Monitoring blood pressure is important because hypertension can be associated with Wilms tumor.
C. Assessing the urine for hematuria is appropriate, as hematuria can be a symptom of Wilms tumor.
D. Palpating the abdomen is contraindicated in suspected Wilms tumor cases because it could cause the tumor to rupture, potentially spreading cancerous cells. Therefore, palpating the abdomen should be avoided until further diagnostic procedures are performed.