A client is undergoing a bronchoscopy as part of the diagnostic evaluation for lung cancer. The nurse should provide pre-procedure education, including information about the need for:
A.
Fasting for 24 hours before the procedure.
B.
Removal of all jewelry and clothing before the procedure.
C.
A signed consent form for anesthesia.
D.
NPO (nothing by mouth) status for 6 hours before the procedure.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
D. NPO (nothing by mouth) status for 6 hours before the procedure.
Explanation:
A bronchoscopy is a procedure used to visualize the airways and lungs, often employed for diagnostic purposes in conditions such as lung cancer. Pre-procedure education is crucial to ensure patient safety and comfort, and to prepare the patient adequately for the procedure.
NPO Status: Before a bronchoscopy, patients are typically instructed to adhere to NPO (nothing by mouth) status for a certain period, usually about 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. This is because the procedure is performed under sedation or anesthesia, and having an empty stomach reduces the risk of aspiration. Aspiration occurs when stomach contents enter the airway, which can lead to serious complications like aspiration pneumonia. By fasting, the risk of such complications is minimized, as the stomach is less likely to contain food or liquid that could be aspirated during the procedure.
Other Options:
A. Fasting for 24 hours before the procedure: Fasting for 24 hours is generally excessive and not standard practice for a bronchoscopy. The usual recommendation is to fast for 6 to 8 hours prior to the procedure to ensure the stomach is empty, but extending this period to 24 hours is unnecessary and could potentially cause dehydration or discomfort.
B. Removal of all jewelry and clothing before the procedure: While removing jewelry is standard practice to avoid interference with the procedure and to ensure that no items are lost, complete removal of all clothing is not required. Typically, patients are asked to change into a hospital gown, but they do not need to remove all their clothing before the procedure.
C. A signed consent form for anesthesia: Although obtaining informed consent for the procedure is essential, including consent for anesthesia, this is generally managed by the anesthesiology team and does not fall under the primary scope of pre-procedure education provided by the nurse. The nurse’s role primarily includes educating the patient about fasting, what to expect during and after the procedure, and post-procedure care.
In summary, adherence to NPO status for 6 hours before the bronchoscopy is crucial for patient safety and to prevent complications associated with aspiration during the procedure.