Question

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the guardian of a school-age child who has undergone a tonsillectomy. Which of the following statements by the guardian indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A) I'll give the child hard candies to soothe their throat.

B) I'll encourage the child to resume regular physical activity immediately.

C) I'll provide a diet of soft, cool, and non-spicy foods for the first few days.

D) I'll avoid giving the prescribed pain medication to prevent addiction.

Answer 1

The guardian's correct understanding of post-tonsillectomy care is reflected in choosing to provide a diet of soft, cool, and non-spicy foods for the first few days. This choice supports proper healing and avoids irritation of the throat.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the guardian of a school-age child who has undergone a tonsillectomy. The guardian's understanding of the teaching is indicated by choosing the correct postoperative care options. Since tonsils are important lymphoid nodules that trap pathogens and are part of the immune response, after their removal, care must be taken to ensure proper healing and prevent infection.

The correct statement indicating an understanding of the discharge teaching is: 'C) I'll provide a diet of soft, cool, and non-spicy foods for the first few days.' This shows proper knowledge of the care needed post-tonsillectomy. It is important to avoid offering hard candies, as they can irritate the throat, and avoiding prescribed pain medication due to fear of addiction is not recommended, as pain management is a critical aspect of recovery. Encouraging immediate return to regular physical activity might also be contraindicated, as a period of rest is often required post-surgery.