Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

The statement indicating that an 8-year-old boy recovering from a tonsillectomy needs emergent evaluation is the one where he is described as sleeping but appears to be swallowing a lot. After a tonsillectomy, excessive swallowing can be a sign of significant bleeding. This occurs because the swallowing reflex may be stimulated in response to fresh blood in the throat, which can be a critical situation requiring immediate medical attention. Recognizing this symptom as a potential indication of bleeding is essential in pediatric nursing, as it may necessitate prompt intervention to manage possible complications.

The presence of coffee-colored emesis, while concerning, is often associated with old blood and may not indicate an active bleeding situation requiring emergency care. Similarly, a complaint of increased throat pain and general lethargy can be typical in a postoperative recovery phase and may not need immediate attention unless other signs suggest a more serious issue.