Oral fluid intake in children following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

Abstract

In response to concerns raised by nursing staff about forcing children to drink following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T & A), a study was conducted to test for adequacy of hydration. Seventy-four children admitted to The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, for T & A surgery were randomly assigned to two groups: the first forced to drink after surgery according to the hospital's nursing care plan, the second given control over fluid intake. A significant difference in fluid adequacy was found between the groups 6 hours after return from the recovery room but none at 8 hours. As a result, fluid management of children after T & A surgery has been changed so that they are encouraged rather than forced to drink.