After a client’s bronchoscopy, which finding should concern the nurse the most?

The most concerning finding after a bronchoscopy is the absence of cough and gag reflexes. These reflexes are critical protective mechanisms for the airway. A lack of a cough reflex can indicate that the client is unable to clear secretions or protect their airway effectively, which increases the risk of aspiration and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or airway obstruction. Similarly, the absence of a gag reflex raises the concern that the client may be at risk for choking on food or fluids if they are allowed to eat or drink before regaining these reflexes.

Other findings, such as minimal cough with clear secretions, presence of soreness in the throat, and discomfort while speaking, are more common and expected after a bronchoscopy. They typically indicate normal post-procedural effects as the patient recovers and are less immediately alarming compared to the potential life-threatening implications of absent protective airway reflexes.