Which action helps prevent hemorrhage after a tonsillectomy?

• A. Avoid clearing the throat, blowing the nose, or coughing
• B. Regularly clear the throat to keep airway clear
• C. Engage in heavy physical activity immediately
• D. Take aspirin for pain

Answer: (A)

After a tonsillectomy, preventing bleeding centers on keeping the new clot at the surgical site intact. The most important action is to avoid anything that increases irritation or pressure in the throat, because a dislodged clot can reopen the wound and cause hemorrhage. Clearing the throat, blowing the nose, or coughing can jar the clot loose or disrupt the forming scab, making bleeding more likely.

Other options would either irritate the wound or raise bleeding risk. Regular throat clearing would repeatedly disturb the healing site; heavy physical activity immediately raises blood pressure and can precipitate bleeding; taking aspirin impairs clotting and increases bleeding risk. Keeping the throat calm and protected helps the clot stabilize and the wound heal without hemorrhage.