The role and tasks of a nurse in the care of a child after the removal of the third tonsil - an individual case study

Abstract

Introduction. The hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil in children is a common issue in otolaryngology. It usually occurs during viral infections, accompanied by upper respiratory tract symptoms, but it can also develop between infections. Absolute indications for adenoidectomy include, among others, sleep apnea, hearing loss, nasal speech, and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections that persist despite conservative treatment.

Aim. The aim of this study is to examine the role and responsibilities of a nurse in the care of a child after adenoidectomy performed under general anesthesia.

Case study. A 5-year-old patient aged 10 months was admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery on 30/10/2024 for a planned procedure of pharyngeal tonsil removal (adenotomy). On the day of admission, the patient's general condition was good, and his hygiene was normal. The skin was pale pink, without any eruptions or pathological changes. The child did not report any pain. The child was calm, a little scared, communicative, and asked questions about the course of hospitalization. The patient was vaccinated according to the vaccination schedule, and had no allergies to medications or foods. The child's mother reported a decreased appetite and anxiety in the child. The child's parents needed education on how to care for a child after adenoidectomy.