Page 1012 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

1. Position the child prone or side-lying to

facilitate drainage.
2. Have suction equipment available but do not

suction unless there is an airway obstruction.
3. Monitor for signs of bleeding (frequent swallowing
may indicate bleeding); if bleeding occurs, turn the
child to the side and notify the PHCP.
4. Discourage coughing, clearing the throat, or nose
blowing to prevent bleeding.
5. Provide an ice collar or analgesics (rectally or
intravenously) for discomfort.
6. Administer antiemetics to prevent vomiting if
prescribed.
7. Provide clear, cool, noncitrus and noncarbonated
fluids (crushed ice, ice pops).

8. Avoid red, purple, or brown liquids, which

simulate the appearance of blood if the child vomits.

9. Avoid milk products such as milk, ice cream,

and pudding initially because they coat the throat,
causing the child to cough to clear the throat.
10. Soft foods may be prescribed 1 to 2 days
postoperatively.

11. Do not give the child any straws, forks, or

sharp objects that can be put into the mouth.
12. Mouth odor, slight ear pain, and a low-grade fever
may occur for a few days postoperatively, but the
parents should be instructed to notify the PHCP if
bleeding, persistent earache, or fever occurs.
13. Instruct the parents to keep the child away from
crowds until healing has occurred; usually the child is
able to resume normal activities 1 to 2 weeks
postoperatively.
V. Epistaxis (Nosebleed)
A. Description
1. The nose, especially the septum, is a highly vascular
structure, and bleeding usually results from direct
trauma, foreign bodies, and nose picking or from
mucosal inflammation.
2. Recurrent epistaxis and severe bleeding may indicate
an underlying disease.
B. Interventions

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