Tracheostomy Nursing Care

A Tracheostomy is an opening into the trachea through the neck just below the larynx through which an indwelling tube is placed and thus an artificial airway is created. It is used for clients needing long-term airway support.

Tracheostomy tubes have an outer cannula that is inserted into the trachea and a flange that rests against the neck and allows the tube to be secured in place with tape or ties. Tracheostomy tubes also have an obturator which is used to insert the outer cannula which is then removed afterwards. The obturator is kept at the client’s bedside in case the tube becomes dislodged and needs to be reinserted.

Tracheostomy Nursing Care has all acute and community care settings to ensure that patients with tracheostomies receive appropriate care.Nurses are aware of aspects of tracheostomy care, including routine and emergency airway management, safe decannulation, weaning and safe discharge into the community.