catheter-teaching-guide
Instructed patient about never walking around in stocking feet and consider sneakers and shoes with laces.
Instructed about the importance to use an assistive device all the time, while walking and transfer, to prevent falls and possible fractures.
Instructed patient not to pile up items on the floor, stairway or pathways between rooms.
Instructed patient in measures to prevent falls using a cane support during ambulation and transfers.
Caregiver instructed to place a slip-resistant rug on the floor next to the bathtub. This will ensure that the patient can get in and out of the bathtub safely without the risk of slipping or falling on the wet floor.
Instructed patient to note the amount, color, consistency, and odor of tracheal and stomal secretions. Confirm the tracheostomy tube size and whether it's cuffed or fenestrated.
If the inner cannula is designed for reuse, clean it in a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and 0.9% sodium chloride. Wear sterile gloves and maintain aseptic technique. Remove encrusted secretions from the lumen of a metal tube with sterile pipe cleaners or a soft sterile brush. For a plastic tube, use only sterile pipe cleaners to prevent damage by a brush. After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the inner cannula with 0.9% sodium chloride solution.
Instructed patient how to reinsert the inner cannula and securely lock it into place.
Instructed patient to secure the new ties to the tracheostomy tube flanges before removing the old ones. Insert your little finger between the tie tapes and your patient's neck to check the fit and ensure his comfort.
Instructed patient to place a sterile split sponge under the tube flanges to absorb secretions.