Question

A client has undergone a bronchoscopy, and is requesting lunch. The nurse should perform the following first:

a. Assess the gag reflex and pain.
b. Assess the client's bowel sounds.
c. Offer finger foods for the initial meal.
d. Assess the client's ability to ambulate.

Answer 1

Before a client can eat after a bronchoscopy, the nurse must assess their gag reflex and pain to ensure they can swallow safely and prevent aspiration.

Step-by-step explanation:

After a client has undergone a bronchoscopy, a nurse must first assess the gag reflex and pain before the client is allowed to eat. This assessment is crucial to prevent aspiration and ensure that the swallow reflex is working properly after the procedure, which involves inserting a scope through the throat into the bronchial tubes of the lungs. An examination of the oral cavity and pharynx, as part of a neurological exam, can help to assess cranial nerve function associated with the oral cavity. If the gag reflex is present and the patient is not in significant pain, they can then be considered for a meal, starting with soft foods to ensure they can swallow safely.