The nurse is assessing a six-year-old following a tonsillectomy. Which one of the following signs is an early indication of hemorrhage?

Drooling of bright red secretionsPulse rate of 90Vomiting of dark brown liquidInfrequent swallowing while sleeping

Explanation.

Drooling of bright red secretions indicates active bleeding. Answer B is incorrect because the heart rate is within normal range for a six-year-old. Answer C is incorrect because it indicates old bleeding. Answer D is incorrect because the child would have frequent not infrequent swallowing.