What should a nurse instruct a client who is scheduled for a bronchoscopy regarding post-procedure care?

After undergoing a bronchoscopy, it is vital for the client to refrain from eating or drinking until they have regained the ability to cough. This is primarily due to the risk of airway compromise and aspiration. During the procedure, the airway may be anesthetized to minimize discomfort, and this can temporarily impair the gag reflex. If the client attempts to eat or drink before the protective reflexes have returned, they could inadvertently inhale food or liquids into the lungs, leading to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia.

Monitoring the client's ability to cough and swallow after the procedure ensures that they can safely resume oral intake without risk. Typically, medical teams will wait until the anesthetic effects have completely worn off and the client is showing stable respiratory function before allowing ingestion of food or liquids. Therefore, understanding the importance of this safety measure is crucial for the recovery process following a bronchoscopy.