How do you prevent a tracheostomy dislodgement?

The first step is to apply high-flow oxygen or support ventilation with bag-valve mask, if the patient has inadequate respiratory effort. It is important to ventilate both the mouth/nose as well as the stoma. Since the tracheostomy tube is already decannulated, you can bypass removal of the inner cannula.

What do you do if the tracheostomy tube becomes dislodged?

If the tracheostomy tube falls out

  1. If the patient normally required oxygen and/or is on a ventilator, place oxygen over the tracheal stoma site.
  2. Gather the equipment needed for the tracheostomy tube change.
  3. Always have a clean tracheostomy tube and ties available at all times.
  4. Wash your hands if you have time.

How can tracheostomy complications be prevented?

Tracheostomy tube can be blocked by blood clots, mucus or pressure of the airway walls. Blockages can be prevented by suctioning, humidifying the air, and selecting the appropriate tracheostomy tube.

How do you prevent a tracheostomy tube obstruction?

Suctioning. Suctioning of the tracheostomy tube is necessary to remove mucus, maintain a patent airway, and avoid tracheostomy tube blockages. The frequency of suctioning varies and is based on individual patient assessment.

What is the maximum time recommended to suction a tracheostomy tube?

Do not suction for more than 10 seconds each time. Turn or twist the suction catheter as it is taken out. Remove your thumb from the suction control vent if you feel the catheter pull during suctioning. Wait 20 to 30 seconds between each suction try.

How can the nurse best minimize a patient’s risk for infection during tracheostomy care?

A. Adhere to sterile technique when appropriate. Adherence to sterile technique is the most important factor in minimizing the patient’s risk for infection during tracheostomy care.

What does Decannulation mean?

Definition: The process whereby a tracheostomy tube is removed once patient no longer needs it.

Which patient is most at risk for complications of tracheostomy tube replacement?

The complication rate following emergency tracheostomy was twice that following elective surgery. The younger the patient the higher was the incidence of complications. A large variety of complications were encountered as shown in Table 1 with emphysema and stomal infection being the commonest.

What is the most common complication associated with a tracheostomy tube?

Obstruction. Obstruction of tracheostomy tube was a common complication. The most frequent cause of obstruction was plugging of the tracheostomy tube with a crust or mucous plug. These plugs can also be aspirated and lead to atelectasis or lung abscess.

How can a tracheostomy prevent aspiration?

Diet Changes. Although individuals with tracheostomy and/or mechanical ventilation are at increased risk for aspiration, many are able to safely swallow some level of oral intake. Individuals with tracheostomy tubes may need modified food or liquid consistencies to provide the safest and least restrictive diet.

What do you need in order to secure the tracheostomy tube of the patient?

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.