Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is the recommended procedure for determining the location and extent of pulmonary injury caused by inhalation of toxic fumes. This technique involves inserting a flexible tube with a light and camera into the airway, which allows for direct visualization of the bronchial passages and lung tissues.

This method is particularly effective for assessing the airway and lung parenchyma after exposure to harmful substances because it enables the clinician to obtain direct observations of any injury or damage. Additionally, it allows for the collection of biopsies and secretions, which can be crucial for further analysis of the extent of injury and the presence of contaminants.

While chest X-rays and computed tomography can provide some information on lung pathology, they are less effective than fiberoptic bronchoscopy for visualizing the internal structure of the airways and lungs directly in cases of toxic inhalation. Magnetic resonance imaging is generally not used for acute pulmonary injury assessments, primarily due to its lower resolution for lung tissues and the time-consuming nature of the procedure. Thus, fiberoptic bronchoscopy is the most informative and clinically relevant tool for evaluating this specific kind of pulmonary injury.