Tracheostomy Nursing Care
Tracheostomy Nursing Care refers to the specialized care provided to patients who have undergone a
tracheostomy, a surgical procedure where an opening (stoma) is created in the neck to place a tube into the
trachea (windpipe) to help the patient breathe.
What is Tracheostomy?
A Tracheostomy is a medical procedure in which a tracheostomy tube is inserted into the trachea through a
surgical opening in the neck. This allows air to enter the lungs directly when the normal breathing pathway
is blocked or not functioning properly.
Patients Who May Need Tracheostomy
- Patients with severe respiratory problems
- Patients on long-term ventilator support
- Patients with throat cancer or airway obstruction
- Patients with neurological conditions affecting breathing
- Trauma or head injury patients
Responsibilities of a Tracheostomy Nurse
- Monitoring breathing and oxygen levels
- Cleaning and maintaining the tracheostomy tube
- Suctioning secretions from the airway
- Checking for infection around the stoma
- Changing tracheostomy dressing regularly
- Providing humidified oxygen if needed
- Educating family members about care and emergency management
Basic Tracheostomy Care Steps
Step 1–2
- Wash hands and wear sterile gloves
- Check the patient's breathing and oxygen saturation
Step 3–4
- Suction airway secretions using a suction catheter
- Clean the stoma area with sterile saline
Step 5–7
- Replace the dressing around the tube
- Ensure the tube is properly secured
- Monitor for signs of infection, bleeding, or blockage
Possible Complications
- Infection around the stoma
- Tube blockage due to mucus
- Bleeding
- Dislodgement of the tube
- Breathing difficulty
