Question

A nurse is teaching a client and his family how to care for the client's tracheostomy at home. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Option 1:
Remove the outer cannula cautiously for routine cleaning.

Option 2:
Use tracheostomy covers when outdoors.

Option 3:
Use sterile technique when performing tracheostomy care at home.

Option 4:
Cleanse irritated skin with full-strength hydrogen peroxide.

Answer 1

The nurse should include option 2: Use tracheostomy covers when outdoors in the teaching.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include option 2: Use tracheostomy covers when outdoors in the teaching. Using tracheostomy covers when outdoors helps to protect the tracheostomy from dust, debris, and potential infections. This is an important part of maintaining good tracheostomy hygiene.

Options 1, 3, and 4 are not correct instructions for tracheostomy care. Option 1 advises removing the outer cannula cautiously for routine cleaning, which is incorrect. Option 3 suggests using sterile technique for tracheostomy care at home, but a clean technique is generally sufficient. Option 4 recommends cleansing irritated skin with full-strength hydrogen peroxide, which can be too harsh and may further irritate the skin.