Tracheostomy Basics
What is the opening created in the neck during a tracheostomy procedure?
What is changing the tracheostomy dressing?
This is the first thing you should do if a tracheostomy tube becomes dislodged.
What is assess the airway or call for help?
You notice the patient's oxygen saturation has dropped to 85% and they are struggling to breath. Suctioning is not effective. What is your next step?
What is replace the tracheostomy tube or call a rapid response?
The primary purpose of a tracheostomy is to improve this vital function.
What is breathing or airway management?
This type of tracheostomy tube allow the patient to communicate more effectively.
What is a speaking valve or Passy-Muir valve?
What is the maximum amount of time you should suction a tracheostomy to avoid complications?
You hear gurgling sounds from the patient's tracheostomy tube. What action should you take?
What is suction the airway to remove secretions?
This is the term for a tracheostomy tube with a balloon-like structure that seals the airway.
What is a cuffed tracheostomy tube?
To minimize pressure and discomfort, this part of the tracheostomy tube should be checked regularly.
This is the term for the complete removal or falling out of the tracheostomy tube.
What is decannulation?
You are caring for a patient with a tracheostomy tube, and they suddenly develop a cough and respiratory distress. What could be the cause?
What is secretions or a blockage in the tube?
This is the term for the inner part of the tracheostomy tube that can be removed for cleaning.
What is the inner cannula?
This type of suctioning is performed to keep the tracheostomy clear and comfortable.
What is deep suctioning?
If mucus plugs the tracheostomy tube and suctioning is ineffective, this is the next step.
What is replace the tracheostomy tube?
You are changing the dressing site around your patient with a tracheostomy and you notice purulent drainage at the site. What is your next step?
Notify the provider of a suspected infection?
This is the process of gradually reducing the size of the tracheostomy tube to allow for decannulation.
What is downsizing?
This type of therapy helps restore a tracheostomy patient's ability to eat and drink comfortable.
What is speech or swallowing therapy?
This is the oxygen delivery method used in an emergency if a tracheostomy tube is obstructed and cannot be replaced immediately.
What is a face mask over the stoma?
You are at the bedside with your patient with a tracheostomy tube and you notice heavy bleeding around the site and all over the bed. What is the life saving intervention that you will do?
What is apply pressure to the stoma and call a code blue?