Instructed patient how can I prevent infections. Wash your hands. Always wash your hands before and after you care for your trach. Clean your trach equipment as directed. Use clean or sterile trach care methods to clean your equipment. Clean the area around your trach as directed. The area around your trach is called the stoma. Use a trach cover as directed. Do not use a trach cover unless your healthcare provider says it is okay. A trach cover sits over the opening to your trach tube. It prevents dirt and other foreign bodies from getting into your airway.
Instructed patient how to reinsert the inner cannula and securely lock it into place.
Instructed patient Don't clean and reuse an inner cannula designed for one-time use.
Instructed patient Don't cut gauze and place it under the tracheostomy tube flanges; inhalation could draw fibers into the patient\'s trachea. Use a manufactured split sponge.
Instructed patient on signs and symptoms that indicate a need for suctioning include: Seeing mucus in the opening of the trach tube or hearing mucus in the airway Increased respiratory rate or effort Retractions (which is seen when the skin between the ribs pulls in while breathing.
Instructed patient on signs and symptoms that indicate a need for suctioning include: Nasal flaring (which is seen when the nostril flares out when a person breaths in) Change in skin color from normal to pale or blue Changes in activity, such as if a child is upset or inconsolable, or appears to be sleepy Increased coughing.