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 A rationale:

This statement is correct. The client should inform the nurse if they notice any food particles in their tracheal secretions as it could indicate aspiration and require immediate attention.

Choice B rationale:

This statement indicates a need for further education. A larger tracheostomy tube to prevent an air leak at the stoma is not an appropriate intervention for tracheomalacia. Tracheomalacia is the weakening of the tracheal cartilage, and a larger tube would not address this underlying issue.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is also incorrect. Minimizing the time the cuff is inflated may be beneficial to prevent tracheal stenosis but would not prevent tracheomalacia, which is a different condition altogether.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is correct. Monitoring cuff pressure and air volumes closely is essential to prevent complications and ensure appropriate cuff inflation.