A small bleed in the days after tonsillectomy can be a warning of a larger haemorrhage. Parents should be told to bring the child in for any fresh bleeding, however small, and not to wait for it to stop or to see whether it recurs.
Assessment should include vital signs, inspection of the fossae and an early plan for admission and theatre if bleeding continues.
- Advise parents to return for any fresh bleeding.
- Check pulse, blood pressure and capillary refill.
- Inspect the tonsil fossae.
- Have a clear plan for admission and theatre.
Why it matters
Parents often wait out minor bleeds, which delays assessment of a potentially serious haemorrhage.
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