with All Solved Solutions.
What does a bronchoscopy visualize? - Answer Larynx, trachea, bronchi, and deep lung
What type of anesthesia is used during a bronchoscopy? - Answer Local to moderate
What is the function of a bronchoscopy? - Answer Allows visualization of tissues and
determines the nature/extent/location of pathologic process, collection/removal of secretions,
and/or tissue samples
Can determine whether tumors can be surgically removed and diagnose source of hemoptysis
How to assess the airway before a bronchoscopy? - Answer Watch for gag reflex and
laryngospasm
Listen for stridor and increased dyspnea
How is local anesthetic applied during a bronchoscopy? - Answer A topical anesthetic (I.E.
lidocaine) is usually either sprayed onto the pharynx or dropped onto epiglottis/vocal cords to
prevent laryngospasm/gag reflex
When should a patient with a bronchoscopy order become NPO? - Answer 4-8 hours before
procedure
What should a nurse do for a patient BEFORE their bronchoscopy? - Answer NPO 4-8 hours
before
Remove dentures/oral prosthesis
Obtain informed consent
Explain procedure (informed consent, also helps reduce fear/anxiety)
Administer pre-op medications (usually atropine and a sedative/opioid)
How long must a patient remain NPO after a bronchoscopy? - Answer Until the gag reflex
returns
When can a patient leave the PACU after a bronchoscopy? - Answer As soon as the cough
reflex returns and respiratory status is maintained
What should a nurse know about post-op care regarding a bronchoscopy? - Answer Monitor
respiratory status, hypoxia, hypotension, tachycardia, arrythmias, hemoptysis, and dyspnea
,Small amounts of blood-tinged sputum and fever are expected within the first 24 hours post-op
What are common complications of bronchoscopy? - Answer -Reaction to local anesthetic
-Oversedation
-Prolonged fever
-Infection
-Aspiration
-Vasovagal response
-Laryngospasm
-Bronchospasm
-Hypoxemia
-Pneumothorax
-Bleeding
Pleural effusion - Answer Fluid in the pleural space
What are the common causes of pleural effusion? - Answer Heart failure, TB, pneumonia,
pulmonary infection, and lung cancer
Pathophysiology of pleural effusion - Answer The lung tissue membrane experiences an
alteration in permeability causing leakage of fluid into the pleural space
Signs and symptoms of pleural effusion - Answer -Fever
-Chills
-Pleuritic pain during inhalation
-Dyspnea (during large PEs due to decreased expansion)
-Decreased/absent breath sounds
-Decreased fremitus due to fluid
-Dull, flat sounds on percussion
-Tracheal deviation away from affected side (late stage, EMERGENCY)
Signs and symptoms of late stage/medical emergency pleural effusion - Answer Dyspnea,
absent breath sounds, tracheal deviation away from affected side
How are pleural effusions diagnosed? - Answer CXR or chest CT
, How to treat a pleural effusion? - Answer -Treat the underlying cause
-Thoracentesis
-Chest tube
-Deep breathing
-Pleurodesis
-Encourage early ambulation
What is a pleurodesis? - Answer A surgical procedure to correct pleural effusion where the
pleural space is permanently sealed between the lung and chest wall
How does deep breathing improve pleural effusion? - Answer Re-expands lungs and
promotes oxygen exchange
What are the purposes of a pulmonary function test? - Answer Assesses respiratory function,
determines extent of dysfunction, assesses response to therapy
How are the results of a pulmonary function test interpreted? - Answer Deviation from
normal
Factors that can affect the results of a pulmonary function test - Answer -Height
-Weight
-Age
-Gender
-Ethnicity
Which respiratory conditions can be diagnosed by a pulmonary function test? - Answer
Emphysema, COPD, Asthma
What are the 2 common types of pulmonary function test? - Answer Spirometry and peak
flow meter
What happens during spirometry? - Answer The patient inhales and does a forceful exhale
repeated multiple times
Who administers a spirometry test? - Answer Usually the nurse
Who interprets the spirometry test? - Answer Usually the physician