PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

After a bronchoscopy, which finding should be reported to the provider?

1. Absent gag reflex

2. Blood-tinged mucus

3. Diminished breath sounds

4. Oxygen saturation 95%

The correct answer is: Diminished breath sounds

Diminished breath sounds after a bronchoscopy should be reported to the provider because this finding can indicate potential complications or changes in the patient's respiratory status. After the procedure, patients may experience temporary effects of sedation or airway irritation; however, diminished breath sounds may suggest issues such as pneumothorax, bronchospasm, or other obstructive factors affecting ventilation. It is essential for healthcare providers to monitor such parameters closely, as they can indicate the need for immediate intervention or further assessment. In contrast, an absent gag reflex might be expected due to sedation or anesthesia used during the bronchoscopy, and it is typically assessed as part of post-procedure monitoring rather than an immediate concern unless it persists longer than expected. Blood-tinged mucus can also be a common finding after bronchoscopy, generally due to irritation or minor trauma in the airway but may not require prompt reporting unless it is excessive or accompanied by significant other symptoms. An oxygen saturation level of 95% is within acceptable limits for many patients and does not usually warrant urgent reporting unless the trend shows a decline or if the patient's baseline is significantly lower.