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Steps of Suctioning a Tracheostomy Tube

- 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:

  • Review the health care provider’s orders and the patient’s nursing plan of care.
  • Gather equipment and supplies such as gloves, goggles, mask, gown, sterile towel, sterile gloves, sterile water or saline, hydrogen peroxide, suction catheter, suction machine, pulse oximeter, oxygen source, and bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilator system.
  • Explain the procedure to the patient and obtain consent if possible.
  • Position the patient in semi-Fowler’s position with the head slightly hyperextended.
  • Perform hand hygiene and don gloves, goggles, mask, and gown if necessary.
  • Remove the old dressing and discard it in a moisture-resistant bag.
  • Inspect the stoma for signs of infection, bleeding, or skin breakdown and report any abnormal findings to the health care provider.
  • Assess the patient’s respiratory status, vital signs, oxygen saturation, and level of consciousness before suctioning.
  • Provide humidification and hydration to the patient to prevent drying and crusting of secretions.
  • Hyperoxygenate the patient before and after suctioning using a BVM ventilator system connected to an oxygen source.
  • Lower the side rail and place a sterile towel or a waterproof pad across the patient’s chest.
  • Turn on the suction machine and set the pressure to the appropriate level according to the patient’s age:

Age

Pressure (mm Hg)

Adult

100-160

Child

100-120

Infant

80-100

Neonate

60-80
  • Check the pressure by occluding the end of the connecting tube with a gloved hand.
  • Pour sterile saline into a container and open a suction catheter kit.
  • Don sterile gloves and pick up the sterile catheter with the dominant hand.
  • With the non-dominant hand, pick up the connecting tubing and connect it to the suction catheter.
  • Moisten the tip of the catheter in the sterile saline and occlude the Y-port to check suction.
  • Remove the inner cannula if present and place it in a container with sterile water or saline.
  • With the dominant hand, gently insert the catheter into the tracheostomy tube until resistance is met. Do not occlude the Y-port or apply suction when inserting the catheter.
  • Apply suction by intermittently occluding the Y-port on the catheter with the thumb of your non-dominant hand, and gently rotate and withdraw the catheter. Do not apply suction for more than 10 seconds at a time.
  • Rinse the catheter with sterile saline between each suctioning attempt. Limit suctioning attempts to three per session. Allow at least one minute between each attempt for oxygenation. Monitor oxygen saturation throughout suctioning.

Questions on Steps of Suctioning a Tracheostomy Tube

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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.

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

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:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

<p>This is the correct choice. Teaching the patient how to use speaking valves to facilitate speech with the tracheostomy tube in place can significantly improve communication. Speaking valves allow airflow during inhalation and redirect exhaled air through the vocal cords, enabling speech while maintaining a closed respiratory system during exhalation. This is a valuable communication method for patients with tracheostomies.</p>

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Silicone tracheostomy tubes are made of a soft, flexible material that can reduce the risk of tissue damage and provide greater comfort. However, the material of the tracheostomy tube is not the primary consideration for a patient with a low risk of aspiration.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

<p>Skipping the procedure without a valid reason may compromise the patient&#39;s airway and respiratory function. Postponing essential procedures is not appropriate unless there are specific clinical reasons for doing so.</p>

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

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

Correct Answer is ["B","C"]

Explanation

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

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Waiting to perform tracheostomy care every 12 to 24 hours is too infrequent for most patients and may not be sufficient to maintain a patent airway and prevent complications.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

<p>Trendelenburg position (Choice D) is not appropriate for tracheostomy suctioning. Trendelenburg position is typically used for certain cardiovascular conditions and not for tracheostomy care.</p>

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

E) is an important step, but it should come after the nurse gathers the necessary equipment for the suctioning procedure.

Ensuring proper positioning and alignment of the tracheostomy tube is important, but it is not the priority in this critical situation.

Recommending a fenestrated tracheostomy tube would not directly address the issue of dry and crusted secretions. Fenestrated tubes are more relevant for patients who need speech assistance, which is not the primary concern in this case.

An infant with a tracheostomy tube would require lower suction pressure compared to an adult. Infants have smaller airways and are more sensitive to changes in pressure. Using higher suction pressure could cause trauma to the delicate tissues in their airways.

Using a larger tracheostomy tube may not be the most appropriate action in this situation. Enlarging the tube may not be necessary and could potentially cause other complications. It's better to ensure proper positioning and consider other interventions before resorting to a larger tube.

Administering pain medication solely for the discomfort associated with tracheostomy suctioning is not standard practice. Pain medication should only be given for clinically significant pain or as part of a larger pain management plan.

Using an antiseptic solution to cleanse the stoma is not the appropriate action in the presence of infection. Antiseptic solutions are designed to prevent infections, not treat existing ones. Using an antiseptic could further irritate the area and delay proper treatment for the infection.

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

Waiting for at least 3 minutes between suctioning attempts is too long and not clinically appropriate. This extended time may lead to increased secretion buildup and potential airway obstruction, especially in patients with excessive secretions or those who are critically ill.

Metal tracheostomy tubes are not commonly used for long-term ventilation. They are mostly used in specific situations where a plastic tube may not be suitable, such as when there is a risk of tube distortion or damage. Plastic tubes are more commonly used for long-term ventilation due to their avail

<p>Withdrawing the catheter gently while applying suction prevents damage to the tracheal walls and minimizes the risk of bleeding.</p>
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