ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATES
Therapeutic Procedure
STUDENT NA ME _____________________________________
PROCEDURE NAME ____________________________________________________________________ REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER ___________
ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE:
Description of Procedure
Indications
Outcomes/Evaluation
CONSIDERATIONS
Nursing Interventions (pre, intra, post)
Potential Complications
Client Education
Nursing Interventions
Sarrika Payne
Tonsillectomy
17
A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the tonsils, two oval-shaped
pads of tissue located at the back of the throat.
-Recurrent tonsillitis: frequent infections of the
tonsils, typically defined as seven or more
infections in one year
-Chronic tonsillitis: persistent inflammation of the
tonsils that does not respond to antibiotic
treatment
-Obstructive sleep apnea: Enlarged tonsils that
block the airway during sleep, leading to
breathing difficulties
- Administer liquid analgesics
- Provide ice collar
- Encourage clear liquids and fluids after return of
gag reflex, avoiding red-colored liquid, citrus
juice, and milk-based foods
-Advance the diet with soft, bland foods
-Discourage coughing, throat clearing, and nose
blowing in order to protect the surgical site
- Avoid strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks
- Eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids
- Take pain medication as prescribed
- Watch for signs of bleeding, such as bright red
blood in the mouth or nose
- Follow up with the surgeon as scheduled
Pre: Obtain informed consent, assess the patient's medical
hx, allergies, and current medications, maintain NPO status
Intra: Monitor vital signs, administer anesthesia, and assist
the surgeon during the procedure.
Post-Op: Monitor for bleeding, pain and difficulty breathing,
administer pain medication, encourage fluid intake, and
provide wound care instructions
Bleeding: Post-tonsillectomy bleeding can occur within the
first 24 hours or up to 10 days after surgery
Infection: Infection at the surgical site can cause pain,
swelling and fever
Difficulty breathing: Swelling in the throat can make it difficult
to breathe
Dehydration: Pain and difficulty swallowing can lead to
decreased fluid intake and dehydration
-Reduced frequency and severity of tonsil
infections
-Improved breathing during sleep
-Decreased snoring
-Improved quality of life
