catheter-teaching-guide
Tracheostomy
Instructed patient be careful not to touch the trach cannula while changing the tube. You do not want to contaminate the cannula. Other times to suction include before eating, or before and after sleeping. Be aware that every sound you hear does not mean they need to be suctioned.
Instructed patient supplies that can be cleaned and disinfected for re-use: Trach tubes Trach swivel adapters Trach ties, Aerosol masks ,T-Pieces, Speaking valves, Nebulizers, Most hard plastic supplies. Cleaning your respiratory equipment: (Weekly),Cleaning and Disinfecting the Humidifier: (Daily)
Instructed patient in emergency care These pages will cover prevention of an emergency situation, and what to do if: Your loved one has trouble breathing or stops breathing You cannot insert a trach tube The trach falls out.
Instructed patient the following is a list of preventive measures that may help to avoid some problems: Make sure the trach is getting enough humidity. Humidity will keep the mucus loose and decrease the chances of a mucus plug. If you hear a whistling sound from the trach, this might mean that the airway is dry. Always make sure the trach ties are securely fastened and are tight enough around the neck.
Instructed patient the following is a list of preventive measures that may help to avoid some problems: Make sure that the trach is open to air and that nothing is blocking it such as clothing or bedding. Always have a child nap or sleep with their apnea monitor or pulse oximeter on. Do not discontinue their use unless discussed with your ENT doctor.
Instructed patient what to do if a person has trouble breathing The most common reason for breathing problems, other than an illness, is that the trach tube becomes plugged with dried mucus. Making sure to provide enough humidity can help prevent this problem. However, if the trach does become plugged, try to remove the plug by suctioning.
Tracheostomy care Instructed patient caregiver It is important to routinely clean the skin around the opening of the tracheostomy (stoma). This will help prevent skin irritation and the build-up of secretions.
Tracheostomy care Instructed patient caregiver Signs and symptoms of difficulty breathing are: Retractions Pulling of the skin between the ribs, under the breastbone or around the trach itself. Also symptoms of difficulty breathing are: Sweaty and pale skin, a person is sweaty and pale and seems to be working hard to breathe while at rest, dusky lips or nail beds. The lips or nail beds look dark, dusky or blue.
Instructed patient caregiver clean technique includes tracheostomy care: 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 caregiver that It is normal to feel some pain and discomfort for about a week after the tracheostomy procedure. If you have difficulty breathing and it is not relieved by your usual method of clearing secretions. when secretions become thick, if crusting occurs or mucus plugs are present. Your physician may recommend increasing.