Tracheostomy Equipment
What size of sterile gloves is recommended for tracheostomy care?
What is the size that fits comfortably without compromising sterility.
What is the first step in ensuring sterility when performing a tracheostomy dressing change?
What is performing hand hygiene and donning sterile gloves.
What is the maximum time allowed per suctioning pass?
What is 15 seconds
What is a common complication of improper tracheostomy care?
What is infection
How often should the patient or caregiver change the tracheostomy dressing at home?
What is daily or as directed by HCP.
What type of dressing is placed around the tracheostomy site?
What is a sterile, pre-split tracheostomy dressing or gauze.
Why is it not acceptable to touch the inside of a tracheostomy tube with unsterile gloves.
What is increases the risk of infection.
What should be done before inserting the suction catheter into the tracheostomy tube?
What is preoxygenate the patient
What could happen if the suctioning is performed for too long?
What is tissue damage and hypoxia.
What should a patient be taught to do if they cough out the tracheostomy tube at home?
What is insert the spare trach tube or seek emergency assistance.
Which part of the suction catheter is considered sterile?
What is the catheter tip and portion entering the tracheostomy.
What is the purpose of the sterile saline solution in tracheostomy care?
What is to clean around the tracheostomy site.
At what depth should the suction catheter be inserted into the tracheostomy tube?
What is 6 in. or 15 cm
How can you recognize a mucus plug in a tracheostomy tube?
What is increased work of breathing, decreased O2 Sats, increased RR, or lack of air movement through the tube.
Why is it important to avoid using cotton balls, or towels around the tracheostomy site?
What is cotton fibers can get into the airway and cause irritation or infection.
What equipment should always be at the bedside of a trach patient?
What is a extra tracheostomy tube, obturator, suction setup, and ambu bag.
How is contamination prevented during the dressing change?
What is using sterile gloves and equipment and avoiding contact with non-sterile surfaces.
Why is intermittent suction applied during withdrawal of the catheter?
What is to prevent tissue damage and hypoxia.
What is the risk of using a suction catheter that is too large for the trach?
It could obstruct the airway or cause trauma to the trachea.
What should a patient do before suctioning themselves at home?
What is wash hands thoroughly and ensure all equipment is sterile.
How often should tracheostomy ties be checked for tightness or replaced?
What is checked and adjusted as needed or per facility policy.
What technique is used to remove soiled trach dressings without contaminating the wound?
What is using medical asepsis.
How long should you wait between suctioning passes?
What is 30-60 seconds
What is the nurse's priority action if a tracheostomy tube is accidentally dislodged?
What is call a rapid response.
Why is humidification important for tracheostomy patients?
What is prevent drying and thickening of secretions.