After a bronchoscopy, which symptoms should a nurse monitor for in the patient?

Monitoring for a vagal response after a bronchoscopy is crucial due to the procedure's potential effects on the autonomic nervous system. During bronchoscopy, stimulation of the airway can lead to a vagal reflex, resulting in bradycardia (a decrease in heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure). These changes can occur in response to the irritation of the airways or manipulation of the trachea, and recognizing these symptoms is important for prompt intervention if needed.

Following bronchoscopy, it is also appropriate to be vigilant for signs related to fluid overload, signs of infection, and hemorrhaging, but these are typically less immediate concerns in the post-procedural phase. Fluid overload is more associated with underlying heart or kidney issues, infection might develop later, and while hemorrhaging can occur, it is less common if procedures were performed appropriately. In contrast, a vagal response is something that can happen almost immediately after the procedure due to the nature of the bronchoscopy, making monitoring for this response essential during patient recovery.