How do you control a tracheostomy secretion?
Table of Contents
How do you control a tracheostomy secretion?
Ways to keep secretions thin and loose
- Fill your bathtub with hot water. Sit in the steam-filled bathroom for 20 minutes.
- Put moist gauze over your tracheostomy tube.
- Stand in the shower with the water pointed away from your tracheostomy tube.
- Fill a spray bottle with new saline solution.
What is the inner cannula for in tracheostomy?
Inner Cannula: The inner cannula fits inside the trach tube and acts as a liner. This liner can be removed and cleaned to help prevent the build-up of mucus inside the trach tube. The inner cannula locks into place to prevent accidental removal. Note: Not all tracheostomy tubes have inner cannulas.
How often do you change inner cannula of trach?
Remove and inspect your inner cannula regularly, at least 3 times a day. Change it 2 times per day: once in the morning and once at night. If you see secretions building up inside, change it sooner. Try not to change your inner cannula more than 2 times per day.
How do you manage secretions in intubated patients?
Secretion management in the mechanically ventilated patient includes routine methods for maintaining mucociliary function, as well as techniques for secretion removal. Humidification, mobilization of the patient, and airway suctioning are all routine procedures for managing secretions in the ventilated patient.
What causes secretions in tracheostomy?
Secretions are a natural reaction to tracheostomy, not a sign of a problem. A trach tube bypasses the upper airway, which normally cleans and moistens the air. This causes the body to produce more secretions. When tracheostomy cuffs are kept inflated for a prolonged period, these secretions can pool in the airway.
What should a nurse do if a tracheostomy tube dislodged?
At the first sign of a possible dislodged tube, the nurse (or other caregiver) should send another individual to urgently summon a physician. A dislodged tube also calls for immediate attempts at manual ventilation, and suction with a solution of sodium chloride. This will rule out a mucus plug.
What do you do if a tracheostomy dislodged nursing?
Dislodgement with a fresh tracheostomy
- Call a code.
- Grab the Ambu-Bag and ventilate your patient.
- If the trach is still sutured in place (and it probably is), cut the sutures and remove the tube.
- The MD may try to reinsert the tracheostomy tube OR orally intubate the patient.
How do you manage respiratory secretions?
Non-pharmacological Treatments
- Suctioning: For many patients with a weak cough reflex, gentle suctioning can be very helpful.
- Postural Drainage/Chest Physiotherapy (CPT): CPT loosens secretions and facilitates cough or suctioning (1).
- External Oscillation Device: This device achieves the same degree of efficacy as CPT.
How do you mobilize secretions?
Frequent repositioning, deep breathing and coughing, chest physiotherapy, postural drainage, oral and parenteral hydration, and supplemental humidification all help to thin and mobilize secretions. Tubing from an external moisture source accumulates moisture and will need frequent draining.
What happens if water gets in tracheostomy?
The main concern is to eliminate water from entering the tracheostomy tube during showering. If water enters into the tracheostomy tube the tube provides a direct path into the lungs. A significant amount of water in the lungs can lead to difficulty breathing as this is essentially what happens with drowning.
What medication dries secretions?
Medications, such as scopolamine or glycopyrrolate, can help dry these secretions. One way scopolamine can be easily administered is by placing a small patch on the skin, usually behind the ear.
What is the first priority action if a tracheostomy tube becomes dislodged?
