Final answer:
A tracheostomy is performed to help an ill patient breathe by creating an opening in the neck and into the trachea to establish an airway or remove lung secretions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of a tracheostomy in an ill patient is to assist the patient with breathing. Tracheostomy is a medical procedure that involves creating an opening in the neck and into the trachea (windpipe) to establish an airway or to serve as an access point for removing secretions from the lungs. This procedure is typically done when a patient has a blocked airway, is undergoing long-term ventilation support, or has conditions that require frequent suctioning of the throat. The tracheostomy tube allows air to enter the lungs directly, bypassing the upper airway obstructions or the need for the muscles of respiration that might be impaired due to illness, surgery, or general anesthesia.