ENT – MCQ 16 – Fever and rhinitis in a patient posted for tonsillectomy

A 5 year old patient is scheduled for tonsillectomy. On the day of surgery he had running nose, temperature 37.5°C and dry cough. Which of the following should be the most appropriate decision for surgery?
A. Surgery should be cancelled
B. Can proceed for surgery if chest is clear and there is no history of asthma
C. Should get Xray chest before proceeding for surgery
D. Cancel surgery for 3 weeks and patient to be put on antibiotics

Correct answer : D. Cancel surgery for 3 weeks and patient to be put on antibiotics

Upper respiratory tract infection is a contraindication for tonsillectomy. So the surgery should be cancelled and the patient should be put on antibiotics.