🫁 Diagnostic Procedure (Pulmonary)

Bronchoscopy: Nursing Guide

Flexible bronchoscopy lets clinicians inspect the trachea and bronchi, obtain washings or biopsies, and guide therapy when cough, hemoptysis, infiltrates, or suspected malignancy need direct airway evaluation. Nurses focus on NPO and sedation safety, anticoagulation review, post-procedure bleeding and oxygenation surveillance, and urgent escalation when transbronchial biopsy complications develop.

14 min read
Updated June 20, 2026
Medically Reviewed
Written by
Sid A. Abdala Balal
RN — Registered Nurse
Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Adam Sayedi
MD — Medical Doctor

Contents

Overview Safety Note Can / Cannot Safety Check Clinical Interpretation Related Tests Bedside Notes Workflow Mental Checklist Why It Is Ordered Patient Preparation Specimen / Procedure Results & Interpretation Urgent Findings Nursing Responsibilities Documentation Patient Education Bronchoscopy NCLEX practice questions FAQ References Related Topics Editorial Review

Quick Facts

Category
Diagnostic procedure
Why it is ordered
Evaluate persistent cough
Main nursing risk
Sedation-related aspiration or hypoventilation
Turnaround
Procedural report often same day

Key Takeaway

Bronchoscopy safety depends on preparation and recovery monitoring as much as the procedure itself.

Procedure Safety Checklist

Pre-procedure safety checks — confirm each item before the patient leaves the ward or clinic.

  1. Correct patient, procedure type (diagnostic vs therapeutic), and consent status

  2. NPO status — solids typically withheld about 4–6 hours; clear fluids often to 2 hours before procedure per NHS guidance (institutional protocols vary)

  3. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet hold plan reviewed with prescriber

  4. Baseline respiratory assessment, SpO₂, and recent chest imaging reviewed

  5. Sedation, airway, and allergy history; risk for difficult recovery

  6. IV access, escort, and post-procedure monitoring location arranged

  7. Remove dentures; review inhalers and bronchodilator timing per orders

  8. Interpreter needs and fall-risk plan after sedation documented

Sedation

Often conscious sedation with topical anesthesia — monitor airway and recovery per endoscopy protocol

What is Bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is an endoscopic procedure in which a flexible bronchoscope is passed through the nose or mouth into the trachea and bronchi so clinicians can directly visualize airways, obtain bronchoalveolar lavage or brushings, perform transbronchial or endobronchial biopsy, and sometimes deliver therapy. It is performed in bronchoscopy or endoscopy suites with nursing support for sedation monitoring and post-procedure recovery.

Overview

Nurses on pulmonary, oncology, and medical-surgical units coordinate bronchoscopy referrals, pre-procedure teaching, transport, and recovery monitoring. Per NHS and standard clinical references, bronchoscopy helps investigate persistent respiratory symptoms and obtain samples when chest radiograph or clinical examination alone cannot explain findings. Ward nurses do not operate the bronchoscope but are essential for fasting verification, sedation safety, and recognizing post-biopsy complications.

Flexible bronchoscopy may include transbronchial biopsy for parenchymal disease — carrying bleeding and pneumothorax risks that require close post-procedure observation. Indian Chest Society joint guidelines emphasize structured patient preparation, monitoring, and sampling technique. Nursing interpretation integrates procedural notes, pathology, microbiology, and trends in symptoms such as cough, hemoptysis, and shortness of breath rather than treating the procedure as complete when the patient returns to the ward.

Clinical Nursing Focus

Before bronchoscopy, confirm NPO timing, anticoagulation plan, and baseline oxygenation. After the procedure — especially after transbronchial biopsy — monitor for increasing bleeding, chest pain, new or worsening dyspnea, and desaturation. Escalate according to facility policy; do not dismiss large-volume hemoptysis or falling SpO₂ as routine recovery.

Sedation, Aspiration, and Biopsy Bleeding Safety

Sedation and transbronchial biopsy add aspiration, bleeding, and pneumothorax risks that may appear after the patient leaves the endoscopy unit. Treat falling oxygen saturation or increasing hemoptysis as urgent clinical change. NPO instructions exist to reduce aspiration during sedation — NHS leaflets commonly cite about 4 hours without food and clear fluids until about 2 hours before the procedure, with institutional variation.

Highest-risk scenarios
  • Large-volume or bright red hemoptysis after transbronchial biopsy
  • Sustained desaturation or increased work of breathing during recovery
  • Suspected pneumothorax — sudden pleuritic pain or unilateral decreased breath sounds
  • Undocumented NPO breach before sedation with vomiting or aspiration concern

Document: NPO status, sedation timeline, baseline and serial SpO₂, bleeding description, notifications, and pending pathology or culture follow-up.

What Bronchoscopy Can and Cannot Tell You

This test can help identify:

  • Endobronchial masses, stenosis, or mucosal abnormalities visible during the procedure
  • Infection or malignancy when lavage, brushings, or biopsies yield diagnostic samples
  • Airway sources of hemoptysis or unexplained infiltrates on imaging
  • Therapeutic targets such as foreign bodies or localized bleeding when performed by experienced teams

This test cannot:

  • Sample all peripheral lung lesions safely — some nodules need CT-guided or surgical biopsy
  • Rule out malignancy after a non-diagnostic biopsy — further testing may still be required
  • Replace post-procedure monitoring for bleeding, pneumothorax, or sedation complications
  • Guarantee culture growth when antibiotics were already started — pre-analytic timing matters

Pre-procedure Checks Before Bronchoscopy

Verify

✓Correct patient, procedure, and biopsy plan with consent when required
✓NPO verified — solids typically withheld about 4–6 hours; clear fluids often to 2 hours per NHS guidance (local policy prevails)
✓Anticoagulant and antiplatelet hold plan confirmed with prescriber
✓Baseline SpO₂, lung sounds, and symptom severity documented
✓IV access, escort, and monitored recovery bed arranged
✓Sedation and allergy history communicated to endoscopy nursing staff

Clarify before proceeding when:

  • Patient reports food, milk, or unclear fluids inside the fasting window
  • Unstable hypoxemia not addressed by prescriber before transport
  • Anticoagulation cannot be held safely but biopsy is still planned
  • Active massive hemoptysis needing stabilization before elective scope
  • Prior bronchoscopy complication or difficult airway not communicated
  • Results of required baseline imaging are unavailable when urgently needed for navigation

Reading Bronchoscopy Findings With the Clinical Picture

Integrate the procedural report with microbiology, cytology, and histopathology plus trends in cough, bleeding, oxygenation, and chest imaging. A stable immediate recovery does not exclude delayed pneumothorax or bleeding.

Report patternMay suggestNursing focus
Normal-appearing airways; pending studiesNo visual malignancy identified todayContinue symptom surveillance until pathology and cultures finalize
Purulent secretions; cultures obtainedInfectionTrack culture results; monitor fever and oxygenation
Endobronchial lesion or massPossible malignancy or granulomatous diseaseCoordinate oncology or ID follow-up; teach pending biopsy timeline
Post-biopsy bleeding or desaturation on wardComplication despite stable endoscopy noteUrgent escalation — evaluate outcomes after oxygen and imaging interventions
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Respiratory Tests That Pair With Bronchoscopy

Related test / assessmentWhy it may be ordered
Portable or bedside chest radiographEvaluate suspected pneumothorax or bleeding after biopsy — ordered by clinician
CT chestLocalize peripheral lesions when bronchoscopy cannot reach tissue
Arterial blood gasAssess gas exchange when severe hypoxemia persists despite supplemental oxygen
Complete blood count and coagulation studiesBleeding risk assessment before and after biopsy — per prescriber
Repeat pulse oximetry and respiratory assessmentBedside trend monitoring during recovery — see nursing procedure guide under Performance
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NPO, Anticoagulation, and Recovery Monitoring at the Bedside

Bedside pointNursing note
NPO truthAsk what the patient actually drank or ate — document variances before sedation
Bleeding wordsQuantify hemoptysis when possible — streaks versus cupfuls changes urgency
Oxygen deviceRecord flow and device when SpO₂ falls — evaluate outcomes after changes
Sedation recoveryDo not discharge monitoring early when biopsy was performed
NCLEX trapMinor throat soreness does not cancel assessment of large-volume bleeding
Evaluate outcomesRepeat SpO₂ and respiratory exam after escalation — is dyspnea improving?
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Bronchoscopy Pathway Across Ward and Endoscopy Units

Diagnostic safety badge: Invasive procedure with sedation — preparation, monitored recovery, and biopsy complication surveillance are mandatory even when the bronchoscopy note appears uncomplicated.

Check-before-test protocol

  1. Identity + order + biopsy plan
  2. NPO and medicine review
  3. Baseline respiratory assessment
  4. Anticoagulation and consent checks
  5. Post-procedure monitoring and escalation plan

Critical teach-back questions

  • “What bleeding amount should you report immediately?”
  • “When can you eat or drink again after sedation?”
  • “Who should you call if breathing becomes harder or oxygen levels fall?”

Care coordination: pulmonology or bronchoscopy team, prescriber, laboratory, pathology, and respiratory therapy for oxygen escalation when ordered.

Bronchoscopy Quick Safety Checklist

  • Was NPO status verified and deviations reported before sedation?
  • Are baseline and current SpO₂ documented on the same oxygen settings?
  • Does hemoptysis volume or character warrant urgent escalation now?
  • Has the prescriber or bronchoscopy team been notified of clinical change?
  • Are pending cultures and pathology tracked with symptom trends?

Why Bronchoscopy is Ordered

Bronchoscopy is ordered when clinicians need direct airway visualization, sampling, or therapeutic intervention beyond non-invasive testing alone.

Clinical Indication What the Test Answers Nursing Rationale
Unexplained or persistent cough Is there endobronchial disease, infection, or bleeding source visible? Pairs with bronchitis or other airway inflammation workups when symptoms persist despite initial treatment.
Hemoptysis or suspected pulmonary infection Can bronchoalveolar lavage or brushings identify pathogens or malignancy? Supports culture correlation with sputum culture and evaluation of pneumonia or tuberculosis when non-invasive samples are insufficient.
Suspected lung cancer or staging Are there visible lesions, narrowed airways, or tissue for pathology? Guides oncology pathways for lung cancer when imaging and clinical findings warrant tissue diagnosis.
Abnormal imaging or restrictive/obstructive physiology Does bronchoscopy explain infiltrates, nodules, or unexplained wheeze? Integrates pulmonary function testing and imaging with direct airway assessment when wheezing or parenchymal disease remains unexplained.
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Contraindications and Precautions

Absolute contraindications are limited and situation-specific, but the procedure should be deferred or modified when risks outweigh benefit — especially uncorrected coagulopathy, unstable hypoxemia, or inability to monitor sedation safely.

When bronchoscopy should be delayed or escalated before proceeding
  • Unstable hypoxemia or active respiratory failure not optimized per prescriber — may need higher-level monitoring or ICU-capable setting.
  • Anticoagulation or thrombocytopenia without a clear hold or transfusion plan before biopsy.
  • Inadequate NPO status or recent full meal when sedation is planned — aspiration risk.
Patient and procedural factors
  • Severe asthma or bronchospasm — premedication and bronchodilator plan per pulmonary team.
  • Recent myocardial infarction, uncontrolled arrhythmia, or severe pulmonary hypertension — individualized risk assessment per guidelines.
  • Pregnancy or inability to lie flat — coordinate positioning and monitoring with endoscopy staff.
Escalate If
  • Large-volume or increasing hemoptysis after biopsy — notify bronchoscopy team and prescriber per facility protocol.
  • New chest pain, unilateral decreased breath sounds, or desaturation suggesting pneumothorax.
  • Persistent hypoxemia, stridor, or altered mental status during or after sedation — airway emergency pathway.

Patient Preparation

Preparation focuses on fasting verification, sedation and airway planning, anticoagulation review, and baseline respiratory documentation.

Pre-test checks
✓Confirm order, biopsy plan, and written consent when required.
✓Verify NPO: NHS patient information commonly advises no food for about 4 hours and clear fluids until about 2 hours before the appointment — follow institutional endoscopy policy.
✓Review anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and last doses with prescriber.
✓Document baseline SpO₂, lung sounds, and pulse oximetry trend on room air or usual oxygen.
✓List sedatives, opioids, and inhalers; clarify morning medication holds.
✓Teach expected throat discomfort, minor streaked blood, and when to report heavy bleeding or breathing change.
Medications to Review or Hold

Review anticoagulants, antiplatelets, insulin or oral hypoglycemics when NPO, sedatives, and bronchodilators with the prescriber. Do not hold prescribed critical medicines without orders — document last doses and planned resumes.

Where the test is performed

This page is a Tests & Diagnostics guide for Bronchoscopy. It emphasizes why the test is ordered, how to interpret results, when to escalate, and preparation factors that affect validity — not step-by-step performance technique (those live under Nursing Procedures when available).

Bronchoscopy is performed in bronchoscopy or endoscopy suites by trained pulmonologists or thoracic teams with nursing support. Ward nurses focus on fasting and medicine review, consent and sedation safety, transport, post-procedure respiratory and bleeding monitoring, and acting on pathology or culture results — not bronchoscope operation.

Use the preparation, results, and nursing responsibility sections below for safety checks, interpretation, escalation, and documentation — not equipment operation or departmental imaging protocols.

Result follow-up at a glance

Nursing workflow on this page — from order to safe action on results:

1
Confirm indication & correct order
2
Coordinate with laboratory or radiology per local policy
3
Document pre-analytic preparation & timing
4
Review result with trend & clinical picture
5
Escalate critical or discordant findings
6
Document communication & patient teaching

Results and Interpretation

Bronchoscopy results combine procedural description (airway appearance, bleeding during procedure), microbiology from lavage or brushings, and histopathology from biopsies. There are no universal numeric “normal” values — nurses interpret findings against indication, imaging, and clinical course. Always use the bronchoscopist’s report and local escalation policies.

Reference Range Disclaimer

Reference ranges, critical values, and protocols may vary by laboratory, institution, patient population, and testing method. Always follow local policy and the reporting laboratory’s reference range.

Result Range / Finding Clinical Meaning Nursing Action
No acute critical finding / as expected for indication Airways without mass or critical stenosis; samples adequate for planned testing Procedure completed; no immediate complication documented; pending studies may still change management Continue ordered monitoring; reinforce return precautions; track culture and pathology results
Equivocal / indeterminate finding Minor procedural bleeding controlled; mild throat discomfort; stable oxygenation May be expected post-biopsy — still requires trend monitoring and patient teaching Serial SpO₂ and cough assessment; escalate if bleeding increases or dyspnea worsens
Abnormal finding — clinically significant Significant bleeding, suspected pneumothorax, or unstable oxygenation after procedure Post-biopsy complication or severe procedural finding — not routine recovery Escalate per protocol; support ordered oxygen therapy and repeat assessment; notify bronchoscopy team and prescriber
Not applicable Not applicable — bronchoscopy reports descriptive findings, not low numeric lab values Not applicable for airway procedure reporting Integrate visual findings, cultures, and pathology with imaging and symptoms
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Urgent Findings and Escalation

Bronchoscopy does not use laboratory critical-value thresholds. Urgent nursing action depends on clinical deterioration after sedation or biopsy — especially bleeding volume, oxygenation, and suspected pneumothorax.

Critical Finding Threshold / Value Immediate Action
Large-volume or increasing hemoptysis after transbronchial biopsy Frank blood or clots beyond minor streaking; hemodynamic or oxygenation impact Escalate immediately per facility protocol; notify bronchoscopy team and prescriber; prepare for repeat assessment and possible chest imaging
New or worsening hypoxemia after procedure Falling SpO₂, increased work of breathing, or need for escalating oxygen support Apply ordered oxygen, monitor airway, notify prescriber — evaluate outcomes after intervention
Suspected pneumothorax or severe chest pain after biopsy Unilateral decreased breath sounds, sudden pleuritic pain, or rapid respiratory decline Urgent medical and radiology evaluation per protocol; do not delay for routine pathology timing
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Stop and Escalate

Stop routine recovery disposition and escalate according to facility policy when large-volume hemoptysis, sustained desaturation, suspected pneumothorax, or altered mental status after sedation occurs — even if the bronchoscopy report is not yet finalized.

Factors Affecting Results

Findings and complication recognition can be affected by sedation depth, biopsy type, and post-procedure monitoring intensity.

False Positives
  • Minor streaked sputum misread as major bleed without volume or hemodynamic context
  • Transient cough from throat irritation attributed to parenchymal hemorrhage
  • Delayed desaturation from oversedation rather than pneumothorax — still requires action
False Negatives
  • Reassuring initial SpO₂ while patient compensates before sudden decline
  • Assuming NPO was adequate when patient had undisclosed intake before sedation
  • Waiting for pathology while patient develops increasing bleeding or dyspnea
Interfering Factors
  • Supplemental oxygen masking hypoxemia trend — document device and flow
  • Anticoagulation resumed too early after biopsy
  • Incomplete procedural note or pending culture leading to delayed infection treatment
Test Limitations

Bronchoscopy may miss peripheral lesions, cannot sample all parenchymal disease safely, and carries biopsy-specific risks. A non-diagnostic biopsy does not exclude malignancy or infection. Sedation obscures some patient symptoms until recovery. Not specified in reviewed references for universal complication rates across all settings — use institutional data and the procedural report.

Nursing Responsibilities

Nursing care centers on valid preparation, sedation and airway surveillance, structured recovery monitoring after biopsy, and timely escalation when oxygenation or bleeding changes.

Before the Test
✓Verify indication, biopsy plan, consent, and NPO timing
✓Review anticoagulation and platelet status with prescriber
✓Document baseline SpO₂, lung sounds, and symptom severity
✓Coordinate transport, IV access, and recovery bed with monitoring capability
During the Test
✓Support sedation monitoring per endoscopy nursing protocol
✓Ensure specimens are labeled and routed per laboratory policy
✓Observe for immediate bronchospasm, bleeding, or desaturation during recovery
After the Test
✓Trend SpO₂, respiratory rate, and cough character after biopsy
✓Document bleeding volume descriptors and prescriber notifications
✓Reinforce NPO until sedation criteria met; advance diet per orders
✓Teach return precautions for heavy bleeding, chest pain, or worsening dyspnea

Documentation

Clear documentation supports safe recovery, pathology follow-up, and medicolegal traceability after sedation and biopsy.

Example Nursing Note

“Flexible bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy completed 14:20. Pre-procedure SpO₂ 94% on 2 L/min. Nursing note: patient reported tea with milk 3 hours before procedure — bronchoscopy team notified. Post-procedure 16:10: cough with ~50 mL bright red blood, SpO₂ 88% on 2 L/min, increased work of breathing. Prescriber and bronchoscopy fellow notified per protocol; oxygen increased to 4 L/min per order; repeat assessment and portable chest imaging ordered. Patient taught to report further bleeding or dyspnea.”

Key Documentation Points
  • Procedure type, sedation agents, and biopsy performed
  • NPO verification and any deviations communicated
  • Baseline and post-procedure SpO₂ with oxygen device and flow
  • Bleeding description (streaked vs volume) and hemodynamic status
  • Prescriber or bronchoscopy team notification and read-back when required
  • Pending culture, cytology, or pathology and patient teaching provided

Patient and Family Education

Use plain language; explain throat numbness, mild streaking, and the difference between expected minor bleeding and urgent heavy bleeding.

✓Describe why bronchoscopy was recommended and what samples were taken
✓Review fasting rules before future procedures — NHS leaflets commonly cite about 4 hours without food and clear fluids until about 2 hours before the appointment, with local variation
✓Explain sedation effects and need for escort; no driving until cleared
✓Teach when to report heavy bleeding, chest pain, fever, or worsening breathlessness
✓Clarify how biopsy, culture, and pathology results will be communicated
✓Provide written post-procedure instructions when available from the endoscopy unit
📚

Bronchoscopy NCLEX practice questions

Practice NCLEX-style clinical judgment focused on Bronchoscopy safety and nursing judgment. Use the case tabs (orders, results, assessment, nursing notes), then answer eight Next Gen–style items (including an ordered workflow step) and evaluate outcomes with the answer key.

Select a tab to view orders, results, assessment, and nursing note details for this case.

  • Order: Flexible bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy — conscious sedation
  • Indication: Right lower lobe infiltrate and hemoptysis; rule out malignancy and infection
  • Timing: Returned to ward 2 hours post-procedure; pathology pending
  • Related orders: Chest radiograph post-biopsy ordered; cultures pending
Question 1 — Priority action

After reviewing the case tabs, what is the nurse’s priority action for this post-bronchoscopy patient?

Question 2 — Recognize cues

Which findings from the case tabs should prompt the nurse to clarify or escalate before routine follow-up only? Select all that apply. Select all that apply

Question 3 — Trend interpretation

Which trends are most concerning when evaluating whether the post-procedure plan is working? Select all that apply.

Trend snapshot
Pre-procedure SpO₂ 95% on 2 L/min → now 88% on 2 L/min with ~100 mL bright red hemoptysis

Select all that apply

Question 4 — Matrix judgment

Classify each finding for this patient:

Finding Expected — document and continue monitoring Requires follow-up — notify team / repeat test Urgent — immediate escalation
Minor streaked hemoptysis once, stable SpO₂ on usual oxygen, comfortable
Tea intake 3 hours pre-procedure documented while sedation was used
~100 mL bright red blood with SpO₂ 88% on 2 L/min and increased dyspnea
Biopsy samples sent; patient stable on room air with no further bleeding

On a small screen, swipe or scroll sideways to see the full table.

Question 5 — Clinical judgment

The patient asks why fasting mattered when they only had tea. Which response best reflects safe nursing practice per NHS preparation guidance?

Question 6 — Documentation (cloze)

Complete the priority documentation phrase after transbronchial bronchoscopy:

Post-bronchoscopy safety documentation must include on the chart and in handoff communication.

Question 7 — Workflow (ordered response)

Before transporting for flexible bronchoscopy with planned transbronchial biopsy, rank nursing actions (1 = first).

  1. Document baseline SpO₂, respiratory assessment, and medicine list including inhalers
  2. Confirm written consent, NPO status, and anticoagulant hold plan per prescriber and endoscopy protocol
  3. Arrange escort, IV access, and post-procedure monitoring plan including sedation recovery
  4. Reassess the patient, verify the order and identity, and prepare for prescriber follow-up
Question 8 — Evaluate outcomes

Two hours after bronchoscopy, the patient coughs up about 100 mL of bright red blood and SpO₂ drops to 88% on 2 L/min. What is the best next nursing action?

Answer key & rationale

Next step Timed NCLEX Next Gen–style scenarios on NurseOnShift

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What is the difference between diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy?

Diagnostic bronchoscopy focuses on visualization and sampling (lavage, brushings, biopsy). Therapeutic bronchoscopy may include foreign-body removal, laser or stent placement, or other interventions — risks and monitoring still require endoscopy-level nursing support.

How long should patients fast before bronchoscopy?

Follow institutional endoscopy policy. NHS patient information for bronchoscopy commonly advises no food for about 4 hours and sipping clear fluids only until about 2 hours before the appointment. Times vary by site and sedation plan — always use the written instructions given to the patient.

Is minor blood-streaked sputum normal after biopsy?

Small streaks may occur, but increasing volume, bright red blood, or clots — especially with dyspnea or falling oxygen saturation — are not routine. Escalate per facility protocol and standard clinical references post-procedure guidance on when to seek urgent review.

When should nurses suspect pneumothorax after transbronchial biopsy?

Suspect pneumothorax when the patient develops sudden pleuritic chest pain, unilateral decreased breath sounds, tachypnea, or desaturation after biopsy. Urgent medical evaluation and imaging follow institutional pathways — do not wait for pathology results.

Can bronchoscopy diagnose lung cancer by itself?

Biopsy or cytology from bronchoscopy can establish tissue diagnosis when samples are adequate, but a non-diagnostic biopsy does not rule out malignancy. Results must be integrated with imaging and clinical findings per oncology pathways.

What monitoring is required after conscious sedation?

Monitor airway, sedation level, vital signs, and oxygenation until the patient meets discharge criteria per endoscopy unit policy. Document complications and ensure escort arrangements — patients must not drive until cleared.

How do nurses prepare patients taking anticoagulants?

Review anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicines with the prescriber before biopsy. Indian Chest Society bronchoscopy guidelines discuss bleeding risk and planning — never independently stop prescribed anticoagulation without orders.

References

References
  1. National Health Service. Bronchoscopy. NHS.uk.
    https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bronchoscopy/
  2. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Bronchoscopy. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003857.htm
  3. Mohan A, Madan K, Hadda V, et al. Guidelines for diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy in adults. Indian Chest Society / National College of Chest Physicians / Indian Association for Bronchology. Lung India. 2019.
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6681731/
  4. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Having a bronchoscopy. Patient information leaflet.
    https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/your-visit/patient-information-leaflets/having-bronchoscopy/
  5. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Bronchoscopy. NIH.
    https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/bronchoscopy
  6. MedlinePlus. Bronchoscopy. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
    https://medlineplus.gov/bronchoscopy.html
  7. National Health Service. Tests and treatments A to Z — Bronchoscopy. NHS.uk.
    https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bronchoscopy/
  8. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Having a bronchoscopy (GHPI0559). PDF leaflet.
    https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/your-visit/patient-information-leaflets/having-bronchoscopy/

Related Topics

Fever

Infection workup when lavage and cultures are ordered after bronchoscopy

Sign / Symptom

Sepsis

Escalate when post-procedure fever, tachycardia, and hypoxemia suggest systemic infection

Condition

Blood Cultures

Systemic bacteremia workup when sepsis is suspected alongside respiratory findings

Test / Diagnostic

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

Gas exchange assessment when hypoxemia persists despite supplemental oxygen

Test / Diagnostic

CT Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA)

Alternative imaging when hemoptysis raises pulmonary embolism concern

Test / Diagnostic

Foreign Body Airway Obstruction

Therapeutic bronchoscopy may remove inhaled objects — airway emergency skills remain essential

Nursing Procedure

Editorial Standards & Medical Review

About the author: Sid A. Abdala Balal, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education focused on diagnostic safety, clinical interpretation, and bedside nursing judgment.

Medical review: This guide is reviewed by Dr. Adam Sayedi, MD, for clinical accuracy, diagnostic safety, and alignment with current standards for Bronchoscopy.

Policies: Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy · Correction Policy

Evidence-based nursing education and clinical resources

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges, critical values, and protocols may vary by laboratory, institution, patient population, and testing method. Always follow local policy and the reporting laboratory’s reference range. Content written by a Registered Nurse and medically reviewed by Dr. Adam Sayedi, MD. Last reviewed: June 20, 2026.