A nurse is caring for a 5-year-old child following a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of hemorrhage?
Explanation & Rationale
The correct answer is Choice A.Choice A rationaleContinuous swallowing can be an indication of hemorrhage following a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. This is because the child may be swallowing blood that is coming from the surgical site.Choice B rationaleBlood pressure of 95/56 mm Hg is within the normal range for a 5-year-old child and does not specifically indicate hemorrhage.Choice C rationaleA heart rate of 54/min is lower than the normal range for a 5-year-old child and may indicate bradycardia, but it is not a specific sign of hemorrhage.Choice D rationaleFlushing of the face is not a specific sign of hemorrhage. It may indicate other conditions but is not typically associated with bleeding following a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.