A nurse is caring for a child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following findings indicates that the child may be experiencing hemorrhage?

Rationale: A. Diminished breath sounds: Decreased breath sounds could indicate airway obstruction or respiratory compromise but are not a primary sign of hemorrhage following a tonsillectomy. They are more often associated with complications such as laryngospasm or mucus plugging rather than bleeding. B. Increased drowsiness: Drowsiness in the postoperative period may result from the effects of anesthesia or pain medication. While important to monitor, it is not a specific indicator of hemorrhage unless accompanied by other symptoms like hypotension or tachycardia. C. Frequent swallowing: Repeated swallowing is an early and classic sign of hemorrhage after tonsillectomy. Children often swallow blood draining down the throat instead of spitting it out, which can lead to blood loss and airway compromise if not promptly addressed. D. Elevated pain level: Pain is expected after tonsil surgery and does not necessarily indicate bleeding. Although increasing pain should be assessed, it is not a reliable or specific sign of postoperative hemorrhage compared to frequent swallowing.