A nurse is caring for a 5-year-old child following a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of hemorrhage?

A.

Blood pressure 95/56 mm Hg.

B.

Heart rate 54/min.

C.

Continuous swallowing.

D.

Flushing of the face.

Answer and Rationale

The Correct Answer is C.

Continuous swallowing can be an indication of hemorrhage following a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

This is because the child may be swallowing blood that is coming from the surgical site.

Choice A is wrong because a blood pressure of 95/56 mm Hg is within the normal range for a 5-year-old child.

Choice B is wrong because a heart rate of 54/min is within the normal range for a 5-year-old child.

Choice D is wrong because flushing of the face is not an indication of hemorrhage following a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.