Question

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about tracheostomy care with the parent of a toddler who has a temporary tracheostomy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Suction the trach tube every 2-4 hours, or more often if needed.

B. Clean the stoma (the area around the trach) with sterile saline solution 2-3 times a day.

C. Use a humidifier or heat-moisture exchanger (HME) to add moisture to the air.

D. All of the above.

Answer 1

In teaching tracheostomy care for a toddler, the instructions should include suctioning the tube regularly, cleaning the stoma with sterile saline, and using a humidifier or HME to add moisture to the air. The correct answer is D. All of the above.

Step-by-step explanation:

The instructions for a parent reinforcing teaching about tracheostomy care for a toddler should include multiple components to ensure proper care and maintenance of the tracheostomy. These components encompass:

• Suctioning the trach tube every 2-4 hours, or more often if needed, to maintain a clear airway.
• Cleaning the stoma with sterile saline solution 2-3 times a day to prevent infection and maintain cleanliness.
• Using a humidifier or heat-moisture exchanger (HME) to add moisture to the air the child breathes, which mimics the natural humidifying function of the nasal passages and throat.

Therefore, the correct answer is D. All of the above.