Overview
Introduction
A tracheostomy creates an opening from the neck into the trachea and provides an artificial route for breathing.
A tracheostomy creates an opening from the neck into the trachea and provides an artificial route for breathing. Because inhaled air bypasses the nose and upper airway, it is not warmed, filtered, or humidified in the usual way. Secretions can therefore become thick, and a partially blocked tube can impair ventilation quickly. Safe care is more than cleaning the skin. The LVN/LPN assesses the patient and the tube, supports secretion clearance and humidification, protects the stoma, maintains securement, and recognizes when obstruction, displacement, infection, aspiration, or bleeding requires immediate escalation. Perform assigned interventions within applicable state law, facility policy, and the patient-specific plan; do not substitute a routine task for assessment of the airway.