A nurse is preparing to suction a tracheostomy tube for a patient. What position should the nurse place the patient in?

Choice A rationale:

Cleaning the stoma with hydrogen peroxide (Choice A) is not recommended for tracheostomy care. Hydrogen peroxide can be irritating and damaging to the tissues. Normal saline solution should be used to clean the stoma.

Choice B rationale:

Changing the ties or straps every 4 hours (Choice B) is not necessary unless they are soiled or loose. Frequent changes may irritate the skin and increase the risk of infection. Straps should be changed only when needed.

Choice C rationale:

Inspecting the stoma for signs of infection (Choice C) is a crucial step in tracheostomy care. Signs of infection may include redness, swelling, discharge, or foul odor. Prompt identification and treatment of infection are essential to prevent complications.

Choice E rationale:

Applying a new dressing around the stoma and securing it with tape (Choice E) is essential after tracheostomy care to maintain cleanliness and protect the stoma. Proper dressing helps prevent infection and skin breakdown.

Suctioning a tracheostomy tube is a sterile, invasive technique that requires a nurse or a respiratory therapist. It is done to remove secretions from the tube and prevent obstruction, infection, or hypoxia. The steps of suctioning a tracheostomy tube are:

Choice A rationale:

This response is dismissive of the patient's feelings and may increase their anxiety. It does not address the patient's concern appropriately.

Choice B rationale:

This response acknowledges the patient's anxiety and provides a clear explanation for the necessity of the procedure. It is empathetic and supportive while also emphasizing the importance of the intervention.

Choice C rationale:

This response is not entirely reassuring and may not be accurate. Simply asking the patient to trust the nurse without explaining the procedure further may not alleviate the patient's anxiety.

Choice D rationale:

Skipping the procedure without a valid reason may compromise the patient's airway and respiratory function. Postponing essential procedures is not appropriate unless there are specific clinical reasons for doing so.