What do nurses need to ensure for a patient before a bronchoscopy test?

Before a bronchoscopy, it is essential for nurses to ensure that the patient is maintained NPO (nil per os) for 6 to 12 hours prior to the procedure. This guideline is crucial to reduce the risk of aspiration during the bronchoscopy, as the procedure involves the insertion of a scope through the airway, which can induce gag reflex and the potential for patients to vomit. By keeping the patient NPO, the stomach is empty, minimizing the risk of food or liquid entering the lungs.

Maintaining NPO ensures that any contents in the stomach are not aspirated during the procedure, which could lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia. This preparation step is pivotal for ensuring patient safety and the overall success of the bronchoscopy. Nurses play a key role in educating patients on the importance of this requirement before the test.