title: Bronchoscopy: What critical care nurses need to know.
abstract: Although bronchoscopies have been performed for over a century and are relatively safe when practice guidelines are followed, they are invasive and a real source of anxiety and fear for the patient. The role of the critical care nurse is essential to a successful outcome. This article provides an overview of the main diagnostic and therapeutic indications, contraindications, and possible complications. Also discussed are patient education; patient and staff safety; and considerations before, during, and after the procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Intensive Care, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. dixie.taylor@vanderbilt.edu
authors.forename: Dixie L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D003142:Communication; D016292:Procedural Sedation; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D018579:Patient Selection; D017751:Safety Management