The nurse is suctioning a patient with a tracheostomy tube which action will the nurse take
A tracheostomy is an opening (made by an incision) through the neck into the trachea (windpipe). A tracheostomy opens the airway and aids breathing. A tracheostomy may be done in an emergency, at the patient’s bedside or in an operating room. Anesthesia (pain relief medication) may be used before the procedure. Depending on the person’s condition, the tracheostomy may be temporary or permanent. A tracheostomy may be performed for the following conditions: A tracheostomy (trach) tube is a small tube inserted into the tracheostomy to keep the stoma (opening) clear. Tracheostomy tubes are available in several sizes and materials including semi-flexible plastic, rigid plastic or metal. The tubes are disposable or reusable. They may have an inner cannula that is either disposable or reusable. The tracheostomy tube may or may not have a cuff. Cuffed trach tubes are generally used for patients who have swallowing difficulties or who are receiving mechanical ventilation. Non-cuffed trach tubes are used to maintain the patient’s airway when a ventilator is not needed. The choice of tube is based on your condition, neck shape and size and purpose of the tracheostomy. All trach tubes have an outer cannula (main shaft) and a neck-plate (flange). The flange rests on your neck over the stoma (opening). Holes on each side of the neck-plate allow you to insert trach tube ties to secure the trach tube in place. What do I need to know after going home with a tracheostomy?
When should I call my healthcare provider?Contact your healthcare provider or physician immediately:
How do I take care of my tracheostomy tube?Your nurse will teach you the proper way to care for your tracheostomy tube before you go home. Routine tracheostomy care should be done at least once a day after you are discharged from the hospital.
* A clean basin (or sink) * Hydrogen peroxide * Clean 4 x 4 fine mesh gauze pads * Normal saline or tap water (Use distilled water if you have a septic tank or well water) * Clean cotton-tipped swabs * Clean pipe cleaners or small brush * Clean washcloth * Clean towel * Trach tube ties * Clean scissors
* Untie one side of the old tie and remove that side from the neck-plate. Do not completely remove the old tie until the new one is in place and is securely fastened. * Holding the trach tube in place, lace the tie through one hole of the neck-plate, around the back of your neck, through the other hole of neck-plate, and again around the back of your neck. * Pull the tie snugly and tie a square knot on the side of your neck. There should be enough space for no more than two fingers between the tie and your neck. (Illustration 17d.) * Cut, remove and discard the old tie. If you have a cuffed trach tube, be careful not to cut the cuff balloon when removing the old trach tube tie.
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enews More health news + infoWhen suctioning a tracheostomy tube What should the nurse do?Apply finger to suction catheter hole & gently rotate the catheter while withdrawing. Each suction should not be any longer than 5-10 seconds. Assess the patient's respiratory rate, skin colour and/or oximetry reading to ensure the patient has not been compromised during the procedure.
What are the responsibilities of a nurse to the patient with a tracheostomy tube?Nurses need to understand all aspects of tracheostomy care, including routine and emergency airway management, safe decannulation, weaning and safe discharge into the community. The patient's airway requires close monitoring 24 hours a day using a tracheostomy care chart to record care.
Which actions will the nurse include when doing tracheostomy care?1. Suction the client before starting tracheostomy care. 2. Use sterile technique when cleaning the inner cannula.. Verify that an inner cannula is in place.. Change the tracheostomy tube every week.. Clean the tracheostomy once a day.. Verify that a low-pressure cuff is in place.. |