A nurse is closely monitoring a pediatric client following a tonsillectomy. Which finding would alert the nurse to a postoperative complication?

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.