What might you need to consider when caring for a patient with a tracheostomy?
Tracheostomies are a potentially life-saving procedure that can be temporary or permanent. A tracheostomy may be performed during an emergency if a person’s airway is blocked. It may also be performed due to a disease, injury, or health condition that restricts the airway. Show
This article focuses on the art and science of tracheostomy care, one of the most vital tasks for nurses and other medical staff. Healthcare professionals who master this skill can help save lives and contribute to higher rates of patient satisfaction. (Click here to see our full list of the most common nursing duties and responsibilities). Tracheostomy care is an essential step of the overall process. Nurses provide this service to lower the risk of infection, as air inhaled by the patient is no longer filtered by their upper airways. The important skill of tracheostomy care can be exciting yet daunting among new healthcare professionals. It’s especially important for Registered Nurses (RNs) to learn the proper techniques for this procedure in a medical environment. Tracheostomy DefinitionWhat is a Tracheostomy?Though there are several types of tracheostomies, they all follow the same underlying principle: An opening is created in a patient’s neck in order to place a tube into their windpipe. This tube is inserted through a cut, below the vocal cords, so that air can fill the patient’s lungs. To give you a better idea, here are some common terms and components of trach care. Definition of Terms
Components of Tracheostomy Tube
Optional Features
What is the Purpose of a Tracheostomy?A tracheostomy may be performed when an airway is restricted. This can be done during an emergency when your airway is blocked, or if a disease makes normal breathing impossible. Common reasons for a tracheostomy:
How Long Does it Take to Perform a Tracheostomy?A tracheostomy normally takes about 20 to 45 minutes to perform. When it comes to tracheostomy care, again, a tracheostomy may need to be suctioned and cleaned every one to two hours. Once the initial inflammatory response has subsided, care may only be required once or twice a day. Who Performs a Tracheostomy?A surgeon will typically perform tracheostomies in an operating room or other medical environment. However, a doctor or emergency medical technician (EMT) can also perform a tracheostomy at a patient’s bedside, which may occur in the intensive care unit (ICU), or elsewhere in life-threatening situations. When Do Nurses Perform Tracheostomy Care?Nurses provide tracheostomy care for patients to maintain the integrity of the tracheostomy tube and lower the risk of infection. This is partly because air inhaled by the patient is no longer filtered by their upper airways. Overall, tracheostomy care necessitates the application of scientific knowledge, sterile technique, and problem solving. It needs to be performed by a nurse or respiratory therapist. (Click here to learn how to become a nurse). Training Requirements for Tracheostomy CareWhen it comes to tracheostomy care requirements, most licensed professionals such as Registered Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses will typically learn how to perform this vital task through educational programs and medical training. For example, tracheostomy training is a component of some Vocational Nursing (VN) or Practical Nursing (PN) programs. Tracheostomy suctioning and management are often considered a key skill in courses that cover nursing fundamentals. You can expect to demonstrate this skill on the NCLEX exam as well. Tracheostomy Care ProcedureA Detailed Guide to Tracheostomy CareBy reviewing the following steps, you can begin to learn more about the process of tracheostomy care. Like any other skill, tracheostomy care requires a lot of time and practice to master. Try not to feel disheartened if you don’t get it right the first time, and don’t hesitate to ask your instructor for help. Tracheostomy PrepBefore you do anything, assess the following for your patient:
Necessary Equipment for Tracheostomy CareThe suggested supplies for tracheostomy care may include the following:
Tracheostomy StepsHere are some of the general guidelines from Kozier & Erb’s Fundamentals of Nursing that you should follow when administering trach care in a controlled setting.
Tracheostomy RecoveryIt usually takes one to three days for a patient to adapt to breathing through the tracheostomy tube. It’ll also take some practice for them to talk and make sounds. Some people find it easier to talk if they cover the tube. Alternately, certain valves that permit speech by allowing air to exit the mouth and nose may be attached to the tracheostomy tube. If a tracheostomy is no longer needed, the site can either heal shut or be surgically closed. Potential Risks or Complications of a TracheostomyThere is always a small risk for infection or excessive involved with any medical procedure in which skin is broken. Although rare, some people can also have an allergic reaction to anesthesia. Serious tracheostomy risks or complications can include the following conditions:
You can avoid some of these adverse reactions by following the appropriate steps. What they say is true: practice makes perfect. Pro Tips for Mastering the Art of Tracheostomy CareThe following are some pro tips for advanced students of tracheostomy procedures: Safety Considerations:
Home Care Instructions & Recommendations:
Why Should Nurses Learn How to Perform Tracheostomy Care?Like other tasks they perform, proper tracheostomy care is vital for the health and safety of the patient. As a nurse, you will be responsible for maintaining airway patency, preventing infection at the tracheostomy site, facilitating the healing process, and promoting patient comfort. These crucial steps can help prevent trach risks or complications. In the nursing field, you never know when you may encounter life-or-death situations. Reflecting on your professional goals can help determine which specialization is best for you. Ensure that you work in a facility that suits your needs. Jumpstart Your Dream CareerUnitek College offers several nursing programs for aspiring nurses, including our BSN program and Vocational Nursing school. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and tuition assistance options. Take the first step toward a rewarding future in healthcare! What factors are important to consider when performing tracheostomy care?Before you do anything, assess the following for your patient:. Respiratory status (ease of breathing, rate, rhythm, depth, lung sounds, and oxygen saturation level). Pulse rate.. Secretions from the tracheostomy site (i.e. character and amount). Presence of drainage on tracheostomy dressing or ties.. 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.
What nursing considerations should be made for patients with Tracheostomies?Procedure. Introduce self and verify the client's identity using agency protocol. ... . Observe appropriate infection control procedures such as hand hygiene.. Provide for client privacy.. Prepare the client and the equipment. ... . Suction the tracheostomy tube, if necessary. ... . Clean the inner cannula.. What safety precautions are necessary when caring for someone with a tracheostomy?Use clean technique for tracheostomy care.. 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.. Maintain humidification.. Maintain hydration (secretions should be loose and thin).. |