Final answer:
The correct order of steps in a bronchoscopy starts with IV sedation, followed by inserting the bronchoscope through the mouth or nose, advancing past the vocal cords, into the windpipe, and finally to the lungs.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient asks a nurse to explain the steps of a bronchoscopy, the nurse should present the steps of the procedure in the following order:
- An IV is started, and the patient is sedated.
- The bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth or the nose.
- The bronchoscope is advanced past the vocal cords.
- The bronchoscope is advanced into the windpipe (trachea).
- Finally, the bronchoscope is moved into the lung(s).
During a bronchoscopy, a doctor will examine the inside of the airways for any abnormalities such as foreign bodies, bleeding, or tumors. The procedure allows for a thorough inspection of the respiratory system, including the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, and sometimes involves taking samples for biopsy.