3. Tonsilitis

what is tonsillitis?

inflammation of the tonsils (viral or bacterial)

• graded based on severity 0 to 4+

what are the assessment findings of tonsillitis?

• fever

• hoarse voice

• difficulty breathing or swallowing

• snoring

• pain

• red, enlarged tonsils

what are “kissing tonsils”?

4+ tonsils that touch at midline and may obstruct the airway

how should a child be positioned after tonsillectomy?

side-lying or prone until awake, alert, and oriented to promote airway clearance

why is caution needed with suctioning after tonsillectomy?

suction can traumatize the suture lines

what findings suggest hemorrhage after tonsillectomy? *

• frequent swallowing or throat clearing

• pallor

• restlessnes

• vomitting bright red blood

what should caregivers do if hemorrhage is suspected after tonsillectomy?

contact the HCP immediately

what should children avoid after tonsillectomy?

• coughing

• clearing the throat

• blowing the nose

• using straws

what fluid instructions should caregivers follow after tonsillectomy?

• encourage adequate fluid intake

• avoid citrus juice (irritates the throat)

• avoid brown or red fluids (may be confused with blood in emesis)

kids should avoid _____ juice after a tonsillectomy

citrus

how should pain be managed after tonsillectomy?

give pain medication as prescribed to stay ahead of pain