Tracheostomies

IMPORTANT QUETIONS TO ASK ABOUT TRACHEOSTOMIES

1. Why did the patient receive a tracheostomy? Do they have a contraindication to endotracheal tube intubation?
2. How old is the tracheostomy? How long has it had to heal?
3. Is the tracheostomy cuffed or uncuffed? Will it be able to be used for mechanical ventilation (requires for it to be cuffed to establish pressure in the airway)?
4. Where is the replacement tracheostomy? The same size and model should be kept in the room near the patient should anything happen to the tube in the patient.

*Remember, tracheostomies can be bag mask ventilated 

Page Updated: 03.06.2018