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Caring for patients with a temporary tracheostomy

Author: Rebecca Myatt

Duration: 2 hours Last updated: 2019 Quality Assurance: Peer-reviewed Level: Qualified nurses, Students Language: English

Course description

Caring for a patient with a temporary tracheostomy is a routine aspect of critical care practice. However, patients with a temporary tracheostomy are often transferred to other clinical areas, where nursing staff may not be familiar with caring for them. This module aims to provide an overview of the nursing care of a patient with a temporary tracheostomy, with reference to current best practice guidelines, including the National Tracheostomy Safety Project's (NTSP) (2013) NTSP Manual and the Intensive Care Society (ICS) (2014) Standards for the Care of Adult Patients with a Temporary Tracheostomy.

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Learning aims and intended outcomes

  • Prepare a poster identifying the types of tracheostomy tube commonly used, and the indications for each
  • Explain the nursing care of the patient with a temporary tracheostomy
  • List the equipment that should be readily available for daily and emergency use in patients with a temporary tracheostomy
  • Describe the importance of clear communication and documentation in preventing complications
  • List the common risk factors for clinical incidents following the insertion of a temporary tracheostomy tube

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Type of stoma and tube inserted
  • Daily nursing care
  • Humidification
  • Management of the inner cannula
  • Endotracheal suctioning
  • Nursing care of the wound and securement of the tube
  • Cuff management
  • Tube changes
  • Decannulation
  • Bedside equipment
  • Oral care and swallowing
  • Communication
  • Complications and critical incidents
  • Ongoing care of the patient
  • Conclusions

Author

RM
Rebecca Myatt
Nurse case manager (thoracic surgery), Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, England.

Disclaimer

Please note that information provided by RCNi Learning is not sufficient to ensure competence in the skill. Assessment of competence should take place in line with local practice. Practice should always align with local protocols and procedures, latest guidelines and any regulatory code. All modules should currently be viewed together with available national and local Covid-19 guidelines. For advice, go to www.rcn.org.uk/covid-19

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Type of stoma and tube inserted
  • Daily nursing care
  • Humidification
  • Management of the inner cannula
  • Endotracheal suctioning
  • Nursing care of the wound and securement of the tube
  • Cuff management
  • Tube changes
  • Decannulation
  • Bedside equipment
  • Oral care and swallowing
  • Communication
  • Complications and critical incidents
  • Ongoing care of the patient
  • Conclusions

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