Tracheostomy Care
Tracheostomy Care
Tracheostomy Care
? Sterile disposable tracheostomy cleaning kit or supplies including sterile containers, sterile nylon brush and/or
pipe cleaners, sterile applicators, gauze squares
? ½lean scissors
cc
? ½ut two unequal strips of twill tape, one approximately 25 cm (10 in.) long and the other about 50 cm
(20 in.) long. Rationale: cutting one tape longer than the other allows them to be fastened at the side of
the neck for easy access and to avoid the pressure of a knot on the skin at the back of the neck.
? ½ut a 1-cm (0.5-in.) lengthwise slit approximately 2.5 cm (1 in.), then cut a slit in the middle of the tape
from its folded edge.
? Leaving the old ties in place, thread the slit end of one clean tape through the eye of the tracheostomy
flange from the bottom side; then thread the long end of the tape through the slit, pulling it tight until it
is securely fastened to the flange. Rationale: leaving the old ties in place while securing the clean ties
prevents inadvertent dislodging of the tracheostomy tube. Securing tapes in this manner avoids the use
of knots, which can come untied or cause pressure and irritation.
? If old ties are very soiled or it is difficult to thread new ties onto the tracheostomy flange with old ties in
place, have an assistant put on sterile glove and hold the tracheostomy in place while you replace the
ties. Êhis is very important because the movement of the tube during this procedure may cause irritation
and stimulate coughing. ½oughing can dislodge the tube if the ties are undone.
? Repeat the process for the second tie.
? sk the client to flex the neck. Slip the longer tape under the clientƞs neck, place the finger between the
tape and the clientƞs neck, and tie the tapes together at the side of the neck. Flexing the
neck increases it circumference the way coughing does. Placing the finger under the tie prevents making
the tie too tight, which could interfere with coughing or place pressure on the jugular veins.
? Êie the ends of the tapes using square knots. ½ut off any long ends, leaving approximately 1 to 2 cm (0.5
in.). Square knots prevent slippage and loosening. dequate ends beyond the knot prevent
the knot from inadvertently untying.
? Once the clean ties are secured, remove the soiled ties and discard.
? ½ut a length of twill tape 2.5 times the length needed to go around the clientƞs neck from one tube flange
to the other.
? Êhread one end of the tape into the slot in one side of the flange.
? Xring both ends of the tape together. Êake them around the clientƞs neck, keeping them flat and
untwisted.
? Êhread the end of the tape next to the clientƞs head through the slot from the back to the front.
? Have the client flex the neck. Êie the lose ends with a square knot at the side of the clientƞs neck,
allowing for slack by placing two fingers under with the ties as with the two-strip method. ½ut off long
ends.
1ÿ.? Êape and pad the tie knot.
a.? Place a folded 4-in. x 4-in. gauze under the tie knot, and apply tape over the knot. Êhis
reduces irritation from the knot and prevents confusing the knot with the clientƞs gown ties.
14.? ½heck the tightness of the ties.
a.? Frequently check the tightness of the tracheostomy ties and position of the tracheostomy tube.
Swelling of the neck may cause the ties to become too tight, interfering with coughing and
circulation. Êies can loosen in restless clients, allowing the tracheostomy to extrude from the stoma.
15.? Document all relevant information.
a.? Record suctioning, tracheostomy care, and the dressing change, noting your assessments.