Practice Quiz

Respiratory Therapist

Category - Initiation and Modification of Interventions

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While assisting pulmonologist in a routine bronchoscopy without C-arm, the patient’s vital signs reveal increasing heart rate and lowering oxygen saturation.

How should the therapist proceed?
  1. Request the nurse administer additional sedative.
  2. Increase supplemental oxygen liter flow.
  3. Request the nurse administer epinephrine.
  4. Advise the physician to stop the procedure.
Explanation
Answer: B-The therapist should increase the patient’s oxygen liter flow. An increased heart rate and decreased oxygen saturation during such a bronchoscopy would indicate the patient needs more oxygen.

Both symptoms could be caused by the existing sedation and the bronchoscope occluding part of the airway. The patient should remain in a conscious sedation state, and additional sedation could render the need for an artificial airway. The administration of epinephrine is not indicated. It is used in emergency situations to treat anaphylaxis. Unless there is a drastic change in saturation, heart rate and blood pressure, continue with bronchoscopy and continue to monitor vital signs closely.
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