Instructed patient it is important to keep the tube free of thick mucus. You should always carry an extra tube with you in case your tube gets plugged. Once you put in the new tube, clean the old one and keep it with you as your extra tube.
Instructed patient when you cough, have a tissue or cloth ready to catch the mucus coming from your tube. Is important to keep the tube free of thick mucus. You should always carry an extra tube with you in case your tube gets plugged.
Instructed patient what to do if a person has trouble breathing The most common reason for breathing problems, other than an illness, is If you have trouble passing the catheter into the trach and it feels tight, put a few drops of saline into the tube and try to suction again. Do not force the catheter; it may push the plug in further. If you are unable to remove the mucus plug, change the trach tube and try to suction again.
Instructed patient about some common ways to keep the air you breathe moist are:putting a wet gauze or cloth over the outside of your tube. Keep it moist, ,using a humidifier in your home when the heater is on and the air is dry. A few drops of salt water (saline) will loosen a plug of thick mucus. Put a few drops in your tube and windpipe, then take a deep breath and cough to help bring up the mucus.
Instructed caregiver include ensuring that the tracheotomy tube is securely in place and is patent.
Instructed patient sterile technique includes: Hand washing, Wearing sterile gloves. Using a new trach tube, inner cannula, and trach tie. Using sterile water (new bottle or bag every 24 hours). Discarding suction catheters after each use.
Instructed patient Clean technique includes: Hand washing, Using gloves is optional. Re-using a trach tube and/or inner cannula that has been properly cleaned, Using prepared sterile water and normal saline. Re-using the same trach ties if they are properly cleaned. Re-using suction catheters if they are properly cleaned(up to 8 hrs or 3/per day)
Instructed patient as much as possible, the skin should be kept clean and dry. You may need to clean the skin around the trach tube several times throughout the day. Call your doctor if you notice thick secretions that are yellow or green in color.
Tracheostomy Care Instructed patient long term complications include acute airway obstruction, blocked tube, Infection localized to stoma or tracheo-bronchial
Instructed patient your nose will no longer keep the air you breathe moist. Talk with your doctor about how to keep the air you breathe moist and how to prevent plugs in your tube.