Which of the following is not a purpose of bronchoscopy?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Explanation

Administering medicine into the trachea is not a primary indication for performing a bronchoscopy.
While substances like saline or local anesthetics may be used during the procedure, bronchoscopy is not a standard drug delivery method.
Primary methods for tracheal medication delivery include nebulization, metered-dose inhalers, or via an endotracheal tube.
The main goals of bronchoscopy are diagnostic (visualization, sampling) and therapeutic (removing obstructions, treating lesions).

Option A: This is a primary diagnostic purpose of bronchoscopy. The procedure allows for direct inspection of the airway tissues.
Option B: This is a key therapeutic purpose of bronchoscopy, especially in cases of foreign body aspiration.
Option D: This is a common therapeutic indication. Bronchoscopy is used to remove mucus plugs that cause post-operative atelectasis (lung collapse).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Indications and Purposes of Bronchoscopy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in preparing patients for bronchoscopy (e.g., ensuring NPO status, obtaining consent, administering pre-procedure medications) and monitoring them afterward.
Post-procedure, the nurse must assess for the return of the gag reflex before allowing the patient to eat or drink to prevent aspiration.
Monitoring for complications such as laryngospasm, bronchospasm, bleeding, or respiratory distress is a critical nursing responsibility.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify that the question uses a negative keyword, "not". This means you are looking for the option that is an incorrect statement or does not fit with the others.
Recall the primary purposes of bronchoscopy. Categorize them into 'diagnostic' (to look and find problems) and 'therapeutic' (to treat problems).
Evaluate each option against these known purposes.
Option A (visualize tissue) is a core diagnostic purpose.
Option B (remove foreign bodies) is a core therapeutic purpose.
Option D (treat atelectasis) is a core therapeutic purpose, achieved by removing mucus plugs.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 pp. 309-311, 489-491

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.