Plan to be Prepared

Planning is like an ounce of prevention.

Care of the patient with a trach means ensuring that the airway is patent and that the patient is receiving humidified O2 when ordered.

It also means to ensure that the obturator and same size trach and suction equipment are at the bedside at all times. Therefore, you must document every 12 hours that these items are present at the bedside.

Cuff pressures are to be checked by Respiratory therapy and documented on the same ‘Tracheostomy Procedure Documentation Form' every 8 hours.

If a patient is using a speaking valve, the cuff must be deflated. If you deflate the cuff, note how much air was removed in the syringe and when inflating only add the same amount. You cannot visually tell how much the cuff pressure is by looking at the pilot balloon.

Whenever you have reason for concern please call Respiratory to check the cuff pressure.

Always document the time that you deflated or inflated the cuff.