Question

A nurse is preparing a client for discharge following a bronchoscopy with the use of moderate sedation. The nurse should place the priority on which of the following assessments?

A) Presence of gag reflex
B) Pupillary response to light
C) Range of motion in extremities
D) Blood pressure measurement

Answer 1

The priority post-bronchoscopy assessment is to check for the presence of gag reflex as it indicates that the patient's airway protective reflexes are functioning, minimizing the risk of aspiration.

Step-by-step explanation:

After a patient has undergone a bronchoscopy with the use of moderate sedation, the most essential assessment upon preparing for discharge is A) Presence of gag reflex. The reason for this priority is that the bronchoscopy procedure and sedation can impair the protection of the airway. Compromised airway protective reflexes increase the risk of aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia or other serious complications.

In a client recovering from anesthesia, especially in procedures involving the respiratory system, ensuring that the client has a functional gag reflex is crucial. This reflex helps prevent aspiration of secretions or foreign materials into the lungs. As moderate sedation can relax or diminish neuromuscular function, the nurse should verify the return of this reflex before the client eats, drinks, or is discharged.