Question

    You are on duty in the OPD when BV is a 7-year old schooler who went for doctor’s consult because of severely swollen tonsils. She was accompanied by her mother. Condition started 3 days prior to consult, becoming more progressive until she can hardly swallow. She also started having low grade fever the day before but became high grade in the morning of consult. Her mother said this problem is frequently occurring since she started going to school like almost every 3 to 4 months. She usually does not miss school unless she has fever like what happened the past days.

            Upon assessment, BV is a little bit restless and occasionally grimaces when she swallows. She remarks that mere swallowing of her saliva gives her pain. Though all aspects of her vital signs are bordering on maximum normal, her temperature registered at 39.4 C. Inspection of her throat shows erythema with exudates on both lateral walls.

            After completing history and assessment, the doctor did a throat swab then gave instructions on the following orders:

           Cephalexin (Keflex) 500 mg every 6 hours for 7 days.

           Betadine gargle 3 times a day.

           Paracetamol 500 mg every 6 hours for temperature 38.5 C and above

         

          They were told to come back after a week for follow-up. The doctor mentioned the need for referral to a throat specialist for a possible scheduling of her surgery. Upon hearing this, BV verbalized her concern to her mother about a coming Quiz Bee Contest where she is a contestant and her possible absence if she will undergo surgery. She is now more apprehensive than when she came in.

QUESTIONS :)

1. Being 7 years old, what may necessitate a dental assessment before the surgery and why?

2. Assuming that she has been operated on, discuss your most important priority in her care immediately after surgery.

3. When allowed to eat after surgery, what can best be given to her. Give specific examples of these foods based on availability in the Philippines