Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

(^132) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified

• Monitor respiratory status for rate, effort, use of accessory muscles, skin color,
  and breath sounds.

Crucial Diagnostic Tests

Bronchoscopy

WHY IS IT DONE?

Bronchoscopy is used to view the bronchial tree and to remove foreign obstruc-

tions, obtain tissues for biopsy, or for suctioning fluid.

HOW DOES THE TEST WORK?

The patient is anesthetized and a bronchoscope is inserted into the patient’s mouth

and down the trachea and bronchial tree. The bronchoscope contains a tiny video

camera and probes that the physician manipulates to perform the procedure.

WHAT TO DO?

• Before the procedure:
  
  
  • The patient must sign an informed consent for an invasive procedure.
  
  
  • The patient is NPO for 8 hours except in an emergency, to reduce chances
    of vomiting when the bronchoscope is passed down the throat.
  
  
  
  


• During the procedure:
  
  
  • Monitor vital signs, respiratory effort, and skin color; cardiac monitor.
  
  
  
  


• After the procedure:
  
  
  • The patient remains nothing by mouth (NPO) until the gag reflex returns
    to avoid aspiration.
  
  
  • Verify the cough and gag reflex returns.
  
  
  • Monitor respirations for rate, effort, use of accessory muscles, and breath
    sounds.
  
  
  • Monitor heart rate and respiratory status for changes.
  
  
  • Monitor sputum for blood due to irritation within bronchi.