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. An upper gastrointestinal series is commonly used to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which can cause symptoms like spitting up and crying after feedings, leading to failure to thrive. This test helps visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for abnormalities.
B. A biopsy of the small intestine is typically done to diagnose celiac disease, which is less likely in this clinical scenario.
C. An ultrasound is used to diagnose pyloric stenosis, which presents with projectile vomiting and is less consistent with the described symptoms.
D. A lower gastrointestinal series is used to detect intestinal blockages, which are not suggested by the symptoms of spitting up and crying immediately after feeding.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Myelomeningocele is a type of spina bifida where there is a protrusion of the meninges and spinal cord through a defect in the vertebrae. This condition can result in partial to complete paralysis in the lower extremities due to the involvement of the spinal cord.
B. A unilateral port-wine birthmark is typically associated with conditions like Sturge-Weber syndrome, not myelomeningocele.
C. A protruding sac containing abdominal contents is characteristic of omphalocele, not myelomeningocele.
D. Fusion of cranial suture lines is not associated with myelomeningocele but rather with craniosynostosis.