Question

Nurse is caring for a client who has undergone a tonsillectomy; the nurse monitors the client as a priority carefully for:

a) Bleeding
b) Increased appetite
c) Constipation
d) Clear breath sounds

Answer 1

A nurse should primarily monitor for bleeding in a client who has undergone a tonsillectomy, as it is a significant risk and can lead to serious complications if not promptly addressed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has asked which condition a nurse should monitor as a priority in a client who has undergone a tonsillectomy. The correct answer is a) Bleeding. Postoperative bleeding is a significant risk after a tonsillectomy and can occur within the first 24 hours or even up to two weeks after surgery. Monitoring for signs of bleeding, such as frequent swallowing, spitting of blood, or blood in the saliva, is crucial. Other symptoms that might be concerning include shortness of breath, wheezes or stridor, hoarseness, pain with swallowing, and cough, but the immediate and primary concern is for bleeding, which could indicate a postoperative complication and might require prompt intervention.