A patient with a tracheostomy tube is speaking with a low risk of aspiration. What type of tracheostomy tube would be most suitable for this patient?

Choice A rationale:

Sterile gloves are essential for aseptic technique during tracheostomy suctioning to prevent the introduction of infection. However, they are not included in the setup, as they are worn by the nurse performing the procedure.

Choice B rationale:

Sterile water or saline is necessary for suctioning to moisten the suction catheter and facilitate the removal of secretions without causing trauma to the airway. Therefore, it should be included in the setup.

Choice C rationale:

A pulse oximeter is used to monitor the patient's oxygen saturation and is not directly related to tracheostomy suctioning. While continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation is essential during and after the procedure, it is not a part of the setup.

Choice D rationale:

A sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressure and is unrelated to tracheostomy suctioning. It is not required for this procedure.

Choice E rationale:

A non-sterile towel is used to protect the patient's clothing and bed linens from any secretions or spills during the suctioning procedure. It should be included in the setup to maintain cleanliness and prevent contamination.

Choice C rationale:

A fenestrated tracheostomy tube would be the most appropriate choice for a client who is ready to wean from mechanical ventilation and also requires speech therapy. The fenestration in the tube allows the patient to breathe through the upper airway, facilitating the weaning process, and enabling speech by allowing air to pass over the vocal cords. This type of tube is commonly used for patients who have progressed in their recovery and are transitioning to breathing independently.

Choice A rationale:

A cuffed tracheostomy tube with an inflated cuff is more suitable for patients requiring mechanical ventilation or those at high risk of aspiration, rather than a patient who is ready to wean from ventilation.

Choice B rationale:

Uncuffed tracheostomy tubes may be appropriate for patients who can protect their airway and are weaning from mechanical ventilation. However, they would not be the most appropriate choice when speech therapy is also required.

Choice D rationale:

Double-lumen tracheostomy tubes are not typically used for weaning from mechanical ventilation or speech therapy needs. They are employed in specialized situations for independent lung ventilation.

Choice E rationale:

Plastic tracheostomy tubes are commonly used in clinical practice and may be suitable for a patient ready to wean from mechanical ventilation and requiring speech therapy. However, the fenestrated tube is a more specific choice for this scenario.