A nurse is caring for a client following an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Which of the following findings indicate to the nurse that the client can resume oral intake?

A. Stable vital signs indicate physiologic stability after sedation, but they do not ensure airway protection. The client may still be at risk for aspiration if protective reflexes have not returned. B. Being awake and oriented is important, but sedation used during EGD can temporarily suppress the gag reflex, even after mental status has returned to baseline. Oral intake should not resume until airway reflexes are intact. C. Adequate oxygenation reflects respiratory stability, but it does not indicate recovery of swallowing and airway protective reflexes. Aspiration risk remains if the gag reflex is absent. D. Local anesthetics used during EGD suppress the gag reflex to allow passage of the scope. Return of the gag reflex indicates that protective airway reflexes have recovered, making it safe for the client to resume oral intake without increased risk of aspiration.