Lesson 53: Trach Care for NCLEX Part 1

 

Here are the four general reasons that a patient may require a trach

1.    Ventilation- patient requires long-term

mechanical ventilation because of chronic respiratory failure

2.    Airway obstruction- patient has tumors within the airway, paralyzed

vocal cords, swelling, etc

3.    Airway protection- patients who cannot protect their airway

and patients with an inefficient swallow and/or coughing mechanisms

4.    Secretions- patients who cannot mobilize or manage their secretions may also require a tracheostomy

A tracheostomy tube may be placed surgically or percutaneously (through the skin).

  

Tracheostomy tubes can be made from different kinds of materials. A plastic tracheostomy tube should be used for initial placement. Trach tubes can be made from metal but the disadvantages are

NCLEX TEACHING: Metal tracheostomy tubes are rigid, lack a cuff, and cannot be attached to a ventilator or a bag-valve mask.

Whenever a patient has a tracheostomy these things are at the bedside:

·        

          functional suctioning system

·         an oxygen source

·         a manual resuscitation bag

·         complete tracheostomy kit

NCLEX Post-Operative Care: priorities of care for a patient with a new tracheostomy include ensuring that the tracheostomy tube is securely in place and is patent. Also making sure proper equipment is at the bedside

Lesson 54: Trach Care for NCLEX Part 2

 Lesson 55: Trach Care for NCLEX Part 3