Final answer:
The treatment plan for trach suctioning for patients under 1 year involves endotracheal intubation to maintain an airway during anesthesia or obstruction, due to risks such as the tongue relaxing and blocking the airway. The tube is removed when the patient's respiratory function begins to recover post-surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatment plan for trach suctioning under the Endotracheal and Tracheostomy Suctioning & Reinsertion Medical Directive for a patient under 1 year of age must be approached with careful consideration due to the delicate nature of the patient's airway. The procedure involves endotracheal intubation, which ensures that a secure airway is maintained during surgery or when the respiratory system is compromised. An appropriately sized plastic tube is placed into the trachea to allow air to bypass any obstruction and reach the lungs. This is particularly important in pediatric patients because their smaller anatomy increases the risk of airway obstruction, for example, from the tongue relaxing under anesthesia, as it can partially or fully block the airway. Post-surgery or when the tube is no longer needed, it is crucial to remove it with precision to prevent additional stress on the young patient's respiratory system, which might still be recovering from the anesthesia.