Nursing Skills
Tracheostomy Care
Nursing management of a surgically created opening in the trachea to maintain an airway.
Suctioning Procedure
- Hyper-oxygenate patient before suctioning.
- Apply suction only during withdrawal of the catheter, not while inserting.
- Limit suction passes to 10-15 seconds to prevent hypoxia.
- Monitor heart rate and O2 saturation throughout.
Stoma Maintenance
- Clean stoma site with saline using sterile cotton swabs.
- Change tracheostomy ties/holder when soiled or every 24 hours.
- Place clean gauze dressing under the faceplate.
- Monitor for skin breakdown under the ties or dressing.
Emergency Preparedness
- Keep a spare tracheostomy tube of the same size at the bedside.
- Ensure obturator is immediately available for reinsertion.
- Keep ambu-bag with mask connected to 100% O2.
Like what you see?
Subscribe to unlock all 360 Study Cards and 15,000+ flashcards, track your progress, and study anywhere.