Why Skilled Nursing Care is Crucial for Tracheosotomy?

Every medical institution is founded on the quality of care and compassion provided by its nurses. The role of nursing is equally important for all those who are in need of medical aid. However, to people who need intense and long-term clinical support, skilled nursing care is a top priority. Skilled nursing care refers to the highest level of medical care offered by licensed nurses and trained therapists for short term rehabilitation or managing chronic medical conditions. Tracheosotomy care is one the most commited types of skilled nursing care that should be administered safely and competently. Ineffective handling of the tracheosotomy tube can lead to several complications including infection, impaired ventilation, airway obstruction and mortality.

What is Tracheosotomy Care?

Tracheosotomy refers to a surgical procedure to make an incision on the anterior aspect of the trachea (windpipe) to open a direct airway bypassing the nose and mouth for breathing. Tracheosotomy is usually performed on patients whose breathing needs reconstruction following surgery or long-term ventilator support, airway protection following accident or for breathing difficulty caused by respiratory disorders.

Depending on the condition of a patient, he/she may need short term, long term or permanent tracheosotomy support. Due to the alarming number of complications and infections reported due to improper tracheosotomy care, in all cases specialized support should be called for.

Complications of Improper Tracheosotomy Care

Airway obstruction is one of the most serious complications that could arise from tracheosotomy leading to respiratory arrest. Skilled nurses will be able to detect partial and total airway obstruction through constant monitoring of vitals. They will be equipped with suction apparatus and functional oxygen to secure an airway in case of a medical emergency.

Some other complications include constipation, inability to talk, dysphagia, tissue damage and ulceration.

Key Areas of Tracheosotomy Care

Specialized nursing care must be offered to patients following tracheosotomy to prevent and effectively handle any complications. Listed below are some key aspects of tracheosotomy care,

The integrity of the skin around the stoma (the hole near the neck through which the tracheosotomy tube is passed through) should be maintained to prevent infection.
The tracheostomy tube should be cleaned daily or as it gets soiled. The outer tracheosotomy tube can be changed weekly or monthly.
Instead of following a set schedule, a skilled nurse will perform suctioning as per patient’s needs by closely assessing signs that suggest the necessity.
Majority of patients with tracheostomy find it hard to speak. Experienced nurses will be able to overcome this challenge through a variety of communication strategies that will attempt to ease the anxieties of the patient. Speaking valves can be suggested, as per assessment.

The skilled nursing team at HCAH SuVitas follows a specialized multidisciplinary protocol to facilitate best tracheosotomy nursing care. Talk to our team for detailed information.

SuVitas Rehabilitation Center

Why Skilled Nursing Care is Crucial for Tracheosotomy?