بعد تصوير صدى القلب عبر المريء مع تخدير الحلق، أي إجراء يأتي أولاً قبل إعطاء المريض أي شيء بالفم؟

After a transoesophageal echo with throat anaesthesia, what comes first before giving the client anything by mouth?

1. Confirming the gag and swallow reflexes have returned
2. Confirming only that BP is normal
3. Ordering a chest X-ray to exclude perforation
4. Giving warm water to soothe the throat

Answer: A) Confirming the gag and swallow reflexes have returned. Throat anaesthesia blunts the swallow reflex, so oral intake before it returns risks aspiration. The reflex is checked before eating or drinking.