A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is scheduled for a bronchoscopy. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "You will be able to eat as soon as the procedure is finished.": After a bronchoscopy, the gag reflex may be temporarily suppressed due to local anesthesia. Clients should not eat or drink until the reflex returns to prevent aspiration. B. "You should not eat or drink for 2 hours before the scheduled time of the procedure.": Fasting is generally required for 6–8 hours before a bronchoscopy to reduce the risk of aspiration during sedation, not just 2 hours. Clear instructions on proper fasting are important. C. "You will be placed on your left side during the procedure.": The client is usually positioned supine or semi-reclined to allow optimal access to the airway. Side-lying is not standard for bronchoscopy and may compromise visualization. D. "Your vital signs will be checked frequently for the first 2 hours after the procedure.": Monitoring vital signs post-procedure is essential because sedation and airway manipulation can lead to complications such as hypoxia, bleeding, or respiratory distress. Frequent assessment ensures early detection and intervention.