A nurse is caring for a child in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) Exhibits The nurse should first dropdown due to the child's dropdown

The nurse should first: Notify the surgeon due to the child's: Throat clearing Rationale for correct answer: Frequent swallowing and throat clearing after tonsillectomy are early signs of bleeding, a serious postoperative complication. This requires immediate attention. Rationale for incorrect answers: Provide a diversional activity: Not priority in this urgent context. Administer PRN pain medication: Important, but not first given the concern for bleeding. Offer the child a popsicle: Contraindicated if bleeding is suspected. Provide discharge education: Not appropriate until the child is stable.