A school-age child is scheduled for a tonsillectomy. What should the nurse assess prior to the surgery being done?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During a tonsillectomy, tonsillar tissue is removed by ligation or by laser surgery. Because sutures are not usually placed, the chance for hemorrhage after this type of surgery is higher than after surgery involving a closed incision. The danger of aspiration of blood at the time of surgery and the danger of a general anesthetic also compound the risk. The patient's bleeding and clotting times should be reviewed prior to surgery to reduce the risk of postoperative hemorrhage. Urine specific gravity is not impacted by a tonsillectomy. Pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure measurement are a part of routine vital sign assessment. These measurements do not impact the care of the patient having a tonsillectomy.

A School-Age Child Is Scheduled for a Tonsillectomy