Tracheostomy Care and Management

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Questions and Answers

What is a potential complication that can arise from dislodgement of a tracheostomy tube?

Enhanced oxygen saturation

Reduced risk of infection

Improved airway clearance

Tracheal stenosis (correct)

Which of the following accurately describes decannulation in tracheostomy care?

It refers to the insertion of a tracheostomy tube.

It is the procedure of replacing a dislodged tube.

It describes the removal of the tracheostomy tube once the need has resolved. (correct)

It is the temporary closure of the tracheostomy stoma.

What should be monitored in patients after a tracheostomy procedure to prevent complications?

Patient's ability to speak

Level of consciousness only

Core body temperature exclusively

Signs of aspiration pneumonia (correct)

In the context of tracheostomy tubes, what is the primary purpose of using fenestrated tubes?

To allow for easier coughing and airway clearance Signup and view all the answers

What is a symptom of pneumothorax that a nurse should assess for?

Chest pain Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of using tracheostomy tubes with an inner cannula?

They facilitate cleaning and maintenance of airway hygiene. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tracheostomy tube is specifically designed to allow a patient to speak?

Fenestrated tracheostomy tubes Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication of not using an inner cannula in tracheostomy care?

Difficulties in maintaining airway hygiene. Signup and view all the answers

In what situation is it most appropriate to use a cuffed tracheostomy tube?

In cases where there is a high risk of aspiration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about fenestrated tracheostomy tubes is false?

They are the most common type of tracheostomy tube. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of fenestrated tubes in tracheostomy care?

To allow airflow around the tracheostomy and through the vocal cords Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration for a patient using a fenestrated tube to speak?

They need to occlude the trach tube opening with a finger Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following complications is commonly associated with tracheostomy procedures?

Infection at the site of the incision Signup and view all the answers

When caring for a patient with a tracheostomy, what nursing intervention is essential to prevent airway obstruction?

Regular suctioning of the tracheostomy tube Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse monitor for in a patient using a fenestrated tracheostomy tube?

Signs of irritation around the insertion site Signup and view all the answers

How does a patient improve the strength needed to exhale through a fenestrated tracheostomy tube for speech?

Practicing slow and deep breaths with controlled exhalation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors indicates the need for further education for a tracheostomy patient?

The patient attempts to speak without occluding the trach tube Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing diagnosis is likely appropriate for a patient with a newly created tracheostomy?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tracheostomy

Used for patients requiring long-term airway support
Tracheotomy: Surgical incision in the trachea just below the larynx
Tracheostomy: Opening made for the tracheostomy tube

Types of Tracheostomy Tubes

Cuffed Tracheostomy Tubes: Used to provide a safe and comfortable airway
Un-cuffed Tracheostomy Tubes: Used when the patient is able to breathe on their own through their mouth and nose
Tracheostomy Tubes with an Inner Cannula: Important for patients who have a lot of secretions, easier to clean, and easier to manage mucus plugs
Fenestrated Tracheostomy Tubes: Allow air to move around the trach and through the vocal cords, used for patients who want to talk

Decannulation

Process of tracheostomy tube removal once the need for the tube has resolved
Dislodgement/accidental complications: Tracheal stenosis, bleeding, infection, aspiration pneumonia, and fistula formation from the trachea to esophagus

Pleural Effusion - Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms: Chest pain, dyspnea, decrease in O2 saturation
Causes: Trauma, lung disease, invasive procedures, spontaneous

Chest Trauma

Blunt: No break in the skin, more life-threatening as not as obvious and diagnosis is more difficult
Penetrating: Wound caused by impalement or an object passing through the tissue, severity is based on organ tissue damage

Pneumothorax/Hemothorax

Pneumothorax: Collection of air in the pleural space, symptoms include chest pain, dyspnea, decrease in O2 saturation
Causes: Trauma, lung disease, invasive procedure, spontaneous
May vary depending on the size of the pneumothorax and the signs and symptoms the patient is experiencing.

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Description

This quiz covers essential aspects of tracheostomy, including definitions, types of tracheostomy tubes, and the process of decannulation. Test your knowledge of airway support techniques and complications associated with tracheostomy procedures.