What is a potential risk associated with performing the CRT on patients?

Performing the Cough Reflex Test (CRT) carries several considerations, one of which is the potential for increased risk of airway obstruction. During the test, particularly if a patient has underlying respiratory issues or is unable to effectively manage secretions, there can be an unintentional compromise of airway patency. When the cough reflex is stimulated, it may provoke excessive airway secretions or a strong reaction that could lead to airway narrowing or blockage, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or bronchospasm. Therefore, healthcare providers must assess patient history and stability before conducting the CRT to mitigate this risk and ensure patient safety throughout the procedure.

In contrast, improvements in respiratory rate, inaccuracies in cough measurements, or reduced comfort may occur in some cases, but they are not inherently linked to the performance of the CRT in the same critical manner that airway obstruction is. The primary concern during this assessment focuses on protecting the airway and maintaining safe respiratory function.