PodQuiz: Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy Nursing Review

PodQuiz Introduction

• 🎙️ This episode is a PodQuiz designed to test knowledge from the previous episode on Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy (T&A).
• 💡 It serves as a quick audio flashcard review to reinforce learning for nursing students.
• 🧠 The quiz format is presented as a way to prepare for exams or patient bedside care.

T&A Procedure Details

• 🎯 The palatine tonsils and adenoids (pharyngeal tonsils) are removed during a T&A procedure.
• 🛡️ These tissues are part of the lymphatic system and play a significant role in immunity.
• 🤧 Candidates for T&A often have recurrent tonsillitis, otitis media, or sinus infections.

Post-T&A Complications and Monitoring

• ⚠️ Children over 6 years of age are at higher risk for hemorrhage after a TNA procedure.
• 🩹 Scabs typically develop 24 to 48 hours post-surgery, with the sore throat peaking around days 5-7.
• 👂 Ear pain is common and considered referred pain, not a sign of serious complication.
• 💨 Stridor is a critical sign indicating airway closure and requires immediate intervention.
• 🩸 Early signs of post-op bleeding include frequent swallowing and throat clearing; later signs are tachycardia and hypotension.
• ☕ Coffee ground emesis indicates ingested blood, which is common.
• 📉 End-tidal CO2 monitoring can detect oxygen desaturation more quickly than pulse oximetry.

Patient Care and Recovery

• 💧 A child crying without tears may be dehydrated, requiring fluid volume assessment and encouragement.
• 🧊 Popsicles and ice chips are recommended for fluid intake due to throat pain.
• 🥣 Soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, pudding, and mashed potatoes are suitable for nutrition.
• 🚫 Coughing should be discouraged as it can dislodge scabs and lead to severe bleeding.
• 📉 The most common reason for post-operative hemorrhage after discharge is scabs falling off too early.
• 🧑‍⚕️ For a five-year-old who can self-report pain, the Wong Baker Faces scale is an appropriate pain assessment tool.