A nurse is assessing a patient who has been using a nasal cannula for oxygen therapy. The patient complains of nasal dryness and irritation. What intervention should the nurse implement?

Choice A rationale:

Venturi masks are not typically used with tracheostomy patients, as they are more suitable for patients with intact upper airways.

Choice B rationale:

Tracheostomy collars are specifically designed for patients with tracheostomies. They provide oxygen directly to the tracheostomy tube, making them appropriate for weaning tracheostomized patients from mechanical ventilation.

Choice C rationale:

T-piece adapters are commonly used for patients with tracheostomies to deliver oxygen. They are simple devices that deliver oxygen directly to the tracheostomy tube.

Choice D rationale:

Aerosol masks are not specifically designed for tracheostomy patients and may not provide adequate oxygen delivery for them.

Choice E rationale:

Mechanical ventilators are not an oxygen delivery device; instead, they are used to provide mechanical ventilation support to the patient and can incorporate various oxygen delivery systems.

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring the patient's respiratory rate, depth, rhythm, and effort is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of oxygen therapy and ensuring proper oxygenation through the tracheostomy collar.

Choice B rationale:

Educating the patient on how to use and care for the tracheostomy collar is essential to ensure the patient's safety and compliance with the therapy.

Choice C rationale:

Implementing safety measures to prevent fire hazards from the oxygen source is crucial, especially when oxygen is delivered via tracheostomy collar, which may have increased oxygen flow rates.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct choice. All the provided interventions (monitoring respiratory parameters, patient education, and safety measures) are essential components of the plan of care for a patient with a tracheostomy who requires oxygen therapy.