What potential issue may occur during bronchoscopy in a patient who is receiving mechanical ventilation?

During bronchoscopy in a mechanically ventilated patient, airway obstruction can occur due to various factors. The procedure involves the insertion of a bronchoscope into the airway, which can temporarily obstruct airflow. This obstruction can be exacerbated if secretions, blood, or mucus accumulate during the procedure, leading to difficulty in ventilating the patient. Additionally, if the bronchial tree is inflamed or if there are pre-existing conditions, such as tumors or strictures, these can further increase the chances of obstruction.

Recognizing and managing the risk of airway obstruction is crucial for maintaining adequate ventilation during the procedure. The other potential issues, while relevant to mechanical ventilation, do not directly relate to the specific complications that may arise during bronchoscopy in the same way. For instance, hyperventilation may occur due to changes in settings or patient response but is not as directly affected by the mechanics of bronchoscopy itself. Decreased cardiac output and ventilator disconnection are serious concerns in mechanically ventilated patients but are not specific complications associated with the bronchoscopy procedure as airway obstruction is.