Which assessment finding post-tonsillectomy should the nurse report immediately to the healthcare provider?

Frequent swallowing is a critical assessment finding that should be reported immediately after a tonsillectomy. This behavior may indicate that the patient is trying to manage a potential complication associated with the procedure, such as bleeding. After a tonsillectomy, it is essential to monitor for signs of bleeding, as this can lead to serious consequences if not addressed promptly. Frequent swallowing may suggest that an individual has a sensation of blood trickling down the throat, which could signal postoperative hemorrhage.

In contrast, while drooling, sneezing, and moaning might also warrant attention, they are not immediate indicators of a serious complication like frequent swallowing. Drooling can occur due to temporary changes in oral function after surgery, sneezing could relate to irritation or allergy rather than a surgical complication, and moaning may simply reflect discomfort or pain. Therefore, the urgency attached to frequent swallowing makes it the most critical post-operative assessment to communicate to the healthcare provider without delay.