Final answer:
After a tonsillectomy, the nurse should closely monitor the patient for bleeding, as it is the most significant risk post-operation. Frequent coughing and elevated body temperature should also be watched for as potential signs of complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
When caring for clients who have had a tonsillectomy, it is crucial for the nurse to monitor closely for bleeding. Tonsillectomies involve the removal of the tonsils, which are part of the lymphatic system and located in the pharynx. They play a role in immune function, but when they become chronically inflamed or infected, a tonsillectomy may be required.
After the surgery, the main concern is hemorrhage, which can occur if the blood vessels in the region do not clot properly. Frequent coughing can be a sign of bleeding in this region, as well as a cause of concern because it could disrupt the surgical site and lead to a hemorrhage. An elevated body temperature may indicate an infection and should also be monitored. However, an increased appetite is usually not an immediate concern post-surgery.
In the given clinical scenario, another important aspect to monitor would be any signs of infection, especially given the patient's fever and swollen lymph nodes pre-surgery. The possibility of streptococcal infection or infectious mononucleosis should be considered and the patient should be monitored for any exacerbation of these underlying conditions.