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 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 that when on your assessment findings (coarse breath sounds, noisy breathing, and prolonged expiratory sounds) indicate that your airway needs clearing, suction it using sterile technique. Hyperoxygenate him before and after suctioning and between passes to compensate for suctioning-induced hypoxemia.
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 when should I call my healthcare provider. Contact your healthcare provider or physician immediately if you have an irregular heart rate. If you feel increased pain or discomfort. 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 your fluids or using cool mist humidification.