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    Tracheostomy Care: Submitted By: Asentista, Jan Alrick R. 3NRS-1

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    Alrick Asentista
    A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the neck into the windpipe to help breathe. After surgery, a plastic tube is placed through the opening to keep it open. Proper care of the tracheostomy tube and site is important to prevent infection and keep the airway clear. Care includes cleaning, suctioning and moisturizing the tube, changing dressings, and monitoring for signs of infection like fever or increased redness/swelling. With proper care, some people only need the tracheostomy temporarily while others require it long-term.

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    Tracheostomy Care: Submitted By: Asentista, Jan Alrick R. 3NRS-1

    Uploaded by

    Alrick Asentista
    34 views4 pages
    A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the neck into the windpipe to help breathe. After surgery, a plastic tube is placed through the opening to keep it open. Proper care of the tracheostomy tube and site is important to prevent infection and keep the airway clear. Care includes cleaning, suctioning and moisturizing the tube, changing dressings, and monitoring for signs of infection like fever or increased redness/swelling. With proper care, some people only need the tracheostomy temporarily while others require it long-term.

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    Tracheostomy

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    A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the neck into the windpipe to help breathe. After surgery, a plastic tube is placed through the opening to keep it open. Proper care of the tracheostomy tube and site is important to prevent infection and keep the airway clear. Care includes cleaning, suctioning and moisturizing the tube, changing dressings, and monitoring for signs of infection like fever or increased redness/swelling. With proper care, some people only need the tracheostomy temporarily while others require it long-term.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    34 views4 pages

    Tracheostomy Care: Submitted By: Asentista, Jan Alrick R. 3NRS-1

    Uploaded by

    Alrick Asentista
    A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the neck into the windpipe to help breathe. After surgery, a plastic tube is placed through the opening to keep it open. Proper care of the tracheostomy tube and site is important to prevent infection and keep the airway clear. Care includes cleaning, suctioning and moisturizing the tube, changing dressings, and monitoring for signs of infection like fever or increased redness/swelling. With proper care, some people only need the tracheostomy temporarily while others require it long-term.

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    TRACHEOSTOMY

    CARE

    Submitted By:
    Asentista , Jan Alrick R.
    3NRS-1

    Tracheostomy care
    A tracheostomy is surgery to make a hole in your neck that goes into your windpipe. If
    you need it for just a short time, it will be closed later. Some people need the hole for
    the rest of their life.
    The hole is needed when your airway is blocked or for some conditions that make it hard
    for you to breathe. You may need a tracheostomy if you are on a breathing machine
    (ventilator) for a long time.
    After the hole is made, a plastic tube is placed in the hole to keep it open. A ribbon is
    tied around the neck to keep the tube in place.
    The surgery is done in the hospital. Before you leave the hospital you should be able to:

    Clean, replace, and suction the tube

    Keep the air you breathe moist

    Clean the hole with water and mild soap or hydrogen peroxide

    Change the dressing around the hole


    DO NOT do strenuous activity or hard exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. After your
    surgery, you may not be able to speak. Ask your doctor for a referral to a speech
    therapist to help you learn to talk with your tracheostomy. This is usually possible once
    your condition improves.

    Self-care
    You will have a small amount of mucus around the tube. This is normal. The hole in your
    neck should be pink and painless.
    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.
    When you cough, have a tissue or cloth ready to catch the mucus coming from your
    tube.

    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.
    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.
    Protect the hole in your neck with a cloth or tracheostomy cover when you go outside.
    These covers can also help keep your clothes clean from mucus and make your
    breathing sounds quieter.
    DO NOT breathe in water, food, powder, or dust. When you take a shower, cover the
    hole with a tracheostomy cover. You will not be able to go swimming.
    To speak, you will need to cover the hole with your finger, a cap, or a speaking valve.
    Sometimes you can cap the tube. Then you might be able to speak normally and
    breathe through your nose and mouth.

    Caring for Your Tracheostomy


    Once the hole in your neck is not sore from the surgery, clean the hole with a cotton
    swab or a cotton ball at least once a day to prevent infection.
    The bandage (gauze dressing) between your tube and neck helps catch mucus. It also
    keeps your tube from rubbing on your neck. Change the bandage when it is dirty, at
    least once a day.
    Change the ribbons (trach ties) that keep your tube in place if they get dirty. Make sure
    you hold the tube in place when you change the ribbon. Be sure you can fit 2 fingers
    under the ribbon to make sure it is not too tight.

    When to Call the Doctor


    Call your doctor if you have:

    Fever or chills

    Redness, swelling, or pain that is getting worse

    Bleeding or drainage from the hole

    Cough or shortness of breath, even after you suction your tube

    Nausea or vomiting

    Any new or unusual symptoms

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