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.
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enews More health news + infoWhat action should the nurse take first when performing tracheostomy care?Before further suctioning attempts, what is the first action to take? Stop suctioning and administer 100% oxygen to the patient for 30 to 60 seconds. A nurse is performing tracheal suctioning. Which action is essential to prevent hypoxemia during suctioning?
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.. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing measure when performing tracheostomy care quizlet?Which of the following is an appropriate nursing measure when performing tracheostomy care? Insertion of the suction catheter without suction reduces the probability of tissue injury. Sterile gloves should be used for tracheostomy care.
Which of the following is a priority for the nurse to perform prior to suctioning the patient's tracheostomy tube?Maintaining sterile technique is a top priority when suctioning through an endotracheal tube or the inner cannula of a tracheostomy tube. Patients with these devices are at very high risk for health care–acquired infections. Strictly observing sterile technique will greatly reduce the risk of infection.
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