A 6-year-old child has had a tonsillectomy.The child is spitting up small amounts of dark brown blood in the immediate postoperative period.The nurse should take what action?
A) Notify the health care provider.
B) Continue to assess for bleeding.
C) Give the child a red flavored ice pop.
D) Position the child in a Trendelenburg position.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Some secretions,particularly dried blood from surgery,are common after a tonsillectomy.Inspect all secretions and vomitus for evidence of fresh bleeding (some blood-tinged mucus is expected).Dark brown (old)blood is usually present in the emesis,as well as in the nose and between the teeth.Small amounts of dark brown blood should be further monitored.A red-flavored ice pop should not be given and the Trendelenburg position is not recommended.

A 6-Year-Old Child Has Had a Tonsillectomy