A nurse is caring for a patient with a tracheostomy. The patient suddenly develops bright red bleeding from the tracheostomy stoma, pulsation of the tracheostomy tube in synchrony with the heartbeat, hypotension, and tachycardia. What should the nurse do first?

Choice A rationale:

Maintaining proper cuff pressure prevents pressure-related injuries and potential tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) formation.

Choice B rationale:

Progressing to a deflated cuff or cuffless tube reduces the risk of TEF by minimizing pressure on the tracheal tissues.

Choice C rationale:

Tracheal dilation or surgical intervention may be necessary if TEF has already developed but is not a preventive measure.

Choice D rationale:

Using a small soft feeding tube instead of a nasogastric tube for tube feedings reduces the risk of trauma to the tracheal tissues and lowers the risk of TEF formation.

Choice E rationale:

Administering oxygen by mask may be necessary for oxygenation, but it is not specifically related to preventing tracheoesophageal fistula formation.

Choice A rationale:

A cuffed tracheostomy tube is most suitable for a patient who requires mechanical ventilation or has a high risk of aspiration. The cuff is inflated to create a seal between the trachea and the tube, preventing aspiration of oral secretions or gastric contents into the airway. This is crucial for patients on mechanical ventilation to ensure effective ventilation and prevent complications like ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Choice B rationale:

Uncuffed tracheostomy tubes do not have an inflatable cuff, making them unsuitable for patients who require mechanical ventilation or have a high risk of aspiration. They are more appropriate for patients who can protect their own airway and have minimal risk of aspiration.

Choice C rationale:

Fenestrated tracheostomy tubes have an opening or fenestration on the tube that allows airflow through the upper airway, bypassing the tracheostomy tube. These tubes are used for patients who are weaning off mechanical ventilation and require speech therapy. They are not the most suitable choice for patients who need mechanical ventilation or have a high aspiration risk.

Choice D rationale:

Double-lumen tracheostomy tubes have two separate tubes, which can be used for independent lung ventilation in certain situations. They are not specifically designed for patients requiring mechanical ventilation or with a high risk of aspiration.

Choice E rationale:

Metal tracheostomy tubes are not commonly used for patients requiring mechanical ventilation or with a high risk of aspiration. Metal tubes may be used in certain cases, but they are not the most suitable choice for this patient population.