RN Infection Control and Patient Safety Related

Review RN Infection Control and Patient Safety related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a client immediately after a bronchoscopy. The client received intravenous sedation and a topical anesthetic for the procedure. Which priority nursing intervention should the nurse perform to provide a safe environment for the client at this time?

  • A. Place pads on the side rails.
  • B. Connect the client to a bedside ECG.
  • C. Remove all food or fluids within the client's reach.
  • D. Place a water-seal chest drainage set at the bedside.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: After this procedure, the client remains NPO until the cough, gag, and swallow reflexes have returned, which is usually in 1 to 2 hours. Once the client can swallow and the gag reflex has returned, oral intake may begin with ice chips and small sips of water. No information in the question suggests that the client is at risk for a seizure. Even though the client is monitored for signs of any distress, seizures would not be anticipated. No data are given to support that the client is at increased risk for cardiac dysrhythmias. A pneumothorax is a possible complication of this procedure, and the nurse should monitor the client for signs of distress. However, a water-seal chest drainage set would not be placed routinely at the bedside.