Question

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parent of a school-age child who has undergone a tonsillectomy. Which fo the following statements by the parent should the nurse identify as understanding the teaching?

a. "My child may resume usual activities since this was just an outpatient surgery."
b. "My child will be able to drink the chocolate milkshake I promised to get for her tonight."
c. "I will notify the doctor if I notice that my child is swallowing frequently."
d. "I will have my child gargle with warm salt water to relieve her sore throat."

Answer 1

The correct answer is C: The nurse should identify understanding when the parent says they will notify the doctor if their child is frequently swallowing, which can indicate bleeding post-tonsillectomy - a serious complication requiring medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should identify that the parent understands the teaching when they say, "I will notify the doctor if I notice that my child is swallowing frequently." This indicates that the parent is aware of the potential for bleeding postoperatively, which is a serious complication that can occur after a tonsillectomy. Frequently swallowing may suggest that the child is bleeding and trying to swallow the blood, thus, it is important to contact a healthcare provider if this happens. It is crucial for parents to understand proper postoperative care in order to prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery for their child.

Contrary to the parent's statement included in option B, drinking a chocolate milkshake would not be advised immediately after a tonsillectomy because dairy products may coat the throat and promote the production of mucus, possibly leading to discomfort or an increased risk of complications. As for options A and D, resuming usual activities immediately is usually not recommended due to the risk of bleeding, and gargling with warm salt water might be too