B. Care of inner cannula The inner cannula must be removed, inspected and cleaned at least 4 hourly to prevent narrowing and blockage. Action Rationale Explain procedure to patient To gain verbal consent, co-operation and reassure the patient Apply oxygen while preparing equipment, monitor To prevent hypoxia saturations if required. Oxygen should be prescribed as per policy. Target saturation as directed by medical team. Screen bed space and prepare all equipment prior to To provide privacy and reduce commencing procedure. interruptions. To provide patient comfort and ease Position patient with neck slightly extended. procedure. Wash and dry don apron, gloves and goggles To reduce cross infection. With one hand stabilize the actual tracheostomy tube and To maintain airway, prevent early build up with the other hand remove the inner cannula and insert of secretions and to maintain clean inner cannula oxygenation. Ensure that the clean inner cannula is locked in position Clean inner cannula with sterile water/saline, use cleaning To reduce infection risk brush if heavily soiled Cannula should not be left to soak in water as it is an infection risk Dry and store in a dry clean container If very heavily soiled then dispose of an place a new inner cannula at the bedside Document procedure on tracheostomy care chart To facilitate communication and evaluation.
B. Care of inner cannula The inner cannula must be removed, inspected and cleaned at least 4 hourly to prevent narrowing and blockage. Action Rationale Explain procedure to patient To gain verbal consent, co-operation and reassure the patient Apply oxygen while preparing equipment, monitor saturations if required. Oxygen should be prescribed as per policy. Target saturation as directed by medical team. To prevent hypoxia Screen bed space and prepare all equipment prior to commencing procedure. Position patient with neck slightly extended. To provide privacy and reduce interruptions. To provide patient comfort and ease procedure. Wash and dry don apron, gloves and goggles To reduce cross infection. With one hand stabilize the actual tracheostomy tube and with the other hand remove the inner cannula and insert clean inner cannula Ensure that the clean inner cannula is locked in position To maintain airway, prevent early build up of secretions and to maintain oxygenation. Clean inner cannula with sterile water/saline, use cleaning brush if heavily soiled Dry and store in a dry clean container If very heavily soiled then dispose of an place a new inner cannula at the bedside To reduce infection risk Cannula should not be left to soak in water as it is an infection risk Document procedure on tracheostomy care chart To facilitate communication and evaluation.
Tracheostomy%20Care%20on%20the%20Wards%20Policy.docx