The management of a tracheotomy patient

The learner should be able to:

• Recognize the correct location of a tracheostomy tube
• Monitor a patient with a tracheostomy.
• Perform aspiration of a patient with a recent tracheostomy (< 5 days)
• Recognize the signs of a partially obstructed cannula

Patient with obstructed tracheostomy, who needs tracheal aspiration:
There are three scenarios:

1. Blocked cannula
2.  Dressing change
3.  Cannula change