After a bronchoscopy, which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

The prioritization of checking for the return of the gag reflex after a bronchoscopy is critical due to the potential risk of airway compromise and aspiration. During the procedure, sedation is often used, which can temporarily impair the gag reflex. If the gag reflex has not returned, there is an increased risk of aspiration if the patient eats or drinks, which could lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia.

Monitoring oxygen saturation is important and should be part of post-procedure care, but it does not address the immediate concern of protecting the airway. Similarly, assessing lung sounds and checking for chest pain are valuable in post-operative care but are secondary compared to ensuring that the patient's airway reflexes are intact. The gag reflex is a vital protective mechanism, and ensuring its return is paramount in the early recovery phase after bronchoscopy.