Daily care of a tracheostomy in the community
Tutorial presented by Emma Forster, Tracheostomy Nurse Consultant
In this tutorial, Emma discusses the daily care of tracheostomies, covering three key areas: the importance of care, practical steps for care, and escalating concerns.
Importance of Daily Care: The tracheostomy stoma is treated as an open wound, making it prone to infection due to warmth and secretions. Dressings help prevent infections and protect against skin irritation. Tracheostomy tapes must be monitored to prevent displacement or accidental decannulation.
Practical Care Steps: The stoma should be cleaned daily with sterile water or saline, ensuring no moisture is left. Look for signs of infection like redness, exudate, or odor. Dressings and tapes should be changed regularly, especially if wet or degraded. Tapes should be replaced using a two-person technique, ensuring proper tightness for safety and comfort.
Escalating Concerns: Monitor for infection signs such as redness, heat, discolored exudate, and foul odor. If infection is suspected, swab the area and consult a clinician for possible antibiotic use. Address granulation issues as they can cause discomfort and bleeding, treating with hydrocortisone or silver nitrate, with referrals to ENT if necessary.
Daily care of a tracheostomy in the community
Tutorial presented by Emma Forster, Tracheostomy Nurse Consultant
In this tutorial, Emma discusses the daily care of tracheostomies, covering three key areas: the importance of care, practical steps for care, and escalating concerns.
Importance of Daily Care: The tracheostomy stoma is treated as an open wound, making it prone to infection due to warmth and secretions. Dressings help prevent infections and protect against skin irritation. Tracheostomy tapes must be monitored to prevent displacement or accidental decannulation.
Practical Care Steps: The stoma should be cleaned daily with sterile water or saline, ensuring no moisture is left. Look for signs of infection like redness, exudate, or odor. Dressings and tapes should be changed regularly, especially if wet or degraded. Tapes should be replaced using a two-person technique, ensuring proper tightness for safety and comfort.
Escalating Concerns: Monitor for infection signs such as redness, heat, discolored exudate, and foul odor. If infection is suspected, swab the area and consult a clinician for possible antibiotic use. Address granulation issues as they can cause discomfort and bleeding, treating with hydrocortisone or silver nitrate, with referrals to ENT if necessary.
