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 caregiver to call patient's doctor if patient have: fever or chills, redness, swelling, or pain that is getting worse. Bleeding or drainage from the hole.
Tracheostomy care Instructed patient patients with a tracheostomy have altered upper airway function and may have increased oral care requirements. Mouth care should assessed by the nurse caring for the patient.
Instructed patient contact your healthcare provider or physician immediately: if you have an irregular heart rate, if you feel increased pain or discomfort and if you have difficulty breathing and it is not relieved by your usual method of clearing secretions. Patient verbalized understanding.
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.
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.
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.
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.