Kristine is scheduled for a bronchoscopy. When teaching Kristine what to expect afterward, the nurse’s highest priority of information would be:
A. Food and fluids will be withheld for at least 2 hours.
B. Warm saline gargles will be done q 2h.
C. Coughing and deep-breathing exercises will be done q2h.
D. Only ice chips and cold liquids will be allowed initially.
Correct Answer: A. Food and fluids will be withheld for at least 2 hours.
Prior to bronchoscopy, the doctors spray the back of the throat with anesthetic to minimize the gag reflex and thus facilitate the insertion of the bronchoscope. Giving the client food and drink after the procedure without checking on the return of the gag reflex can cause the client to aspirate. The gag reflex usually returns after two hours.
Option B: Warm saline gargles may help soothe the throat after bronchoscopy.
Option C: Coughing should not be done after bronchoscopy to avoid initiating bleeding.
Option D: The client should be on NPO status after bronchoscopy until gag reflex has returned.