Following a bronchoscopy, which finding should prompt the nurse to notify the provider?

Following a bronchoscopy, bronchospasms are a significant finding that should prompt the nurse to notify the provider. This condition indicates that the airways are constricting, which can obstruct airflow and lead to respiratory distress. Bronchospasms following a bronchoscopy can be a serious complication due to irritation or stimulation of the airways during the procedure. It is crucial for healthcare providers to address this immediately to ensure the patient’s safety and to provide appropriate interventions, such as bronchodilators or other medications.

While minor cough, sore throat, and increased respiratory rate can occur after a bronchoscopy and are generally expected as part of the recovery process, they do not reflect the same level of urgency or risk as bronchospasms. A minor cough may be a natural reflex due to the procedure, a sore throat is a common result of airway manipulation, and an increased respiratory rate could occur due to anxiety or mild discomfort. However, none of these findings present the immediate threat to airway patency and oxygenation that bronchospasms do. Therefore, the presence of bronchospasms necessitates prompt notification of the provider to ensure optimal patient care.