You are working on the pediatric unit and are taking care of a 4-year-old post-tonsillectomy. The doctor has ordered acetaminophen and ibuprofen to be given regularly. When you walk into the room, your patient is irritable. His face is red, and he is refusing to take anything orally, including his popsicles. His last dose of pain medication was in the PACU. Dad is in the room alone with your patient and states he has tried everything to push fluids and tells you not to bother giving him the medication.
A. What education will you provide Dad and patient? What foods would be suitable to feed the child, and what food should be avoided?
B. List two major potential complications post tonsillectomy and explain the signs of each.
C. Explain two approaches you can use to administer the medications. What will you do if the patient will not take the medications orally for you?