Six hours after tonsillectomy, a child repeatedly swallows and becomes restless. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: B. Inspect for bleeding and notify the surgeon promptly

  • A. Offer red-coloured juice to soothe the throat
  • B. Inspect for bleeding and notify the surgeon promptly
  • C. Encourage vigorous coughing to clear the throat
  • D. Place the child flat and leave the room briefly

Explanation

Repeated swallowing and restlessness may indicate bleeding after tonsillectomy, which can threaten the airway and circulation. The nurse should assess promptly, maintain airway readiness and notify the surgeon; red fluids can also make bleeding assessment difficult.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
Report an error

The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.

Prefer email? support@testustad.com

About Eye and ENT Nursing

Covers nursing care for cataract, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, retinal disorders, ear infections, hearing loss, vertigo, sinusitis, tonsillitis and laryngeal disease. It includes visual and hearing assessment, eye and ear medication administration, postoperative precautions, airway concerns and the difference between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

Practise Eye and ENT Nursing

50 free Eye and ENT Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Discussion

Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.

No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.

Exams that ask Medical Surgical Nursing questions like this

Medical Surgical Nursing is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

More Eye and ENT Nursing questions