Nursing Strategies
ICU nurses have an instrumental role in preventing
complications in patients with tracheostomies and in identifying
problems before the problems become emergencies.
1. A suction catheter is the most important tool.
Passing a suction catheter well beyond the length of the
tube ensures that the tube is in the proper position, and
suctioning removes secretions and stimulates a strong
cough, which can mobilize more secretions.
2. The stoma should be kept clean and dry to prevent
skin breakdown. Cotton-tipped swabs should be
used to clean the stoma behind the neck flange at least
once per shift.
3. The tracheostomy tube should be kept in a neutral
position. Traction forces should be removed and the tube
supported as necessary by using the ventilator support
arms, or a strategically placed towel roll.
4. If inserting a suction catheter is difficult, a tracheostomy
evaluation should be requested, even if the
patient is in no distress. Recognizing potential problems
before an emergency develops is important.
5. After the patient no longer requires ventilatory
support, cuffs should be deflated and remain deflated,
unless airway protection is a concern. Furthermore,
because an inflated cuff interferes with the swallow
mechanism, patients with an inflated cuff should not be
fed orally.52
6. Each time bedside report is given, information pertinent
to the tracheostomy should be passed on to the
next shift. This information is summarized in Table 7.
Conclusion
Placement of a tracheostomy is a common procedure
that can help liberate a patient from mechanical ventilation.
Consistent tracheostomy care is essential to prevent
complications and includes cleaning or replacing
the inner cannula, cleaning the stoma, and changing
tube ties as needed. Suctioning is an essential part of
the routine assessment of a patient with a tracheostomy
to confirm proper placement of the tracheostomy tube,
stimulate production of secretions, and facilitate
removal of secretions.