OverviewA tracheostomy is a surgical opening through the neck into the windpipe (trachea). The opening is also called a stoma. A tracheostomy helps you breathe if you have a lung or nerve problem, an infection, or trouble handling secretions. Show
Taking good care of a tracheostomy is very important. It can prevent infections and help keep you breathing easily. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. How can you care for yourself at home?General tipsYour doctor or nurse will give you instructions about how to take care of your tracheostomy, or trach (say "trayk"). This will include how to suction your trach, how to clean the opening in your neck (stoma), and how to clean and replace the trach's inner tube (inner cannula). Be sure to follow all of these instructions closely.
SuctioningAlways have suction supplies ready, including a fully charged suction machine. Suction the trach 3 to 4 times a day, or more if needed. For example, two of the times could be before you go to bed and when you wake up in the morning. You will need suction catheters, a suction machine, and a mirror. Here are the steps to take:
Stoma careThe opening in your neck is called a stoma. To care for your stoma, clean and dry it 2 times a day, and as needed. Do not let crust form on the skin at the stoma. You will need saline fluid or sterile water, 8 or 10 cotton-tipped swabs, gauze pads, a small cup, a mirror, presplit gauze, and ointment for the skin. Follow these steps:
Cleaning the inner cannulaA cannula is the tube that fits into the stoma. Clean and replace the inner cannula 2 times each day, and as needed. For a reusable inner cannula, you will need 2 small bowls, a small cannula pipe brush, sterile water or saline fluid, and a mirror. To clean the inner cannula:
When should you call for help?Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if you have any problems. Make sure you have your emergency supplies, including the obturator, available when help arrives or when you arrive at the doctor's office. What safety precautions are necessary when caring for someone with a tracheostomy?Keep inner cannula of dual tracheostomy tube in situ at all times. Check patency of single-lumen tracheostomy tube regularly. Clean inner cannula every 8 hours at a minimum, and as needed.. Tracheostomy ties must be secure.. Secure new ties before removing old ties.. Assess patient for restlessness/confusion.. What are key safety measures the nurse must maintain for the client with a tracheostomy?Procedure. Clearly explain the procedure to the patient and their family/carer.. Perform hand hygiene.. Use a standard aseptic technique using non-touch technique.. Position the patient. ... . Perform hand hygiene and apply non-sterile gloves.. Remove fenestrated dressing from around stoma.. What are the nursing considerations in caring the tracheostomy tube?Nursing care
(See Tracheostomy tubes.) When caring for a patient with a tracheostomy, nursing care includes suctioning the patient, cleaning the skin around the stoma, providing oral hygiene, and assessing for complications. Normal functions of the upper airway include warming, filtering, and humidifying inspired air.
When caring for a client with a tracheostomy What should the nurse be aware of?Home Care Modifications
Clean the inner cannula two or three times a day. Check and clean the tracheostomy stoma. Suction tracheal secretions if necessary. Assess for symptoms of infection (i.e., increased temperature, increased amount of secretions, change in color or odor of secretions).
|