Question

A tracheostomy tube has just been inserted percutaneously into a patient with a C3 fracture. How much air should the respiratory therapist initially inject into the cuff?

1) Enough to achieve a pressure of 25-35 cm H₂O.
2) Enough to achieve a minimal occluding volume.
3) A minimum of 20 mL.
4) Until firm tension is felt in the pilot balloon.

Answer 1

A respiratory therapist should inflate the tracheostomy tube cuff with enough air to create a minimal occluding volume, generally maintaining cuff pressure between 20 and 30 cm H₂O.

Step-by-step explanation:

A respiratory therapist should initially inject enough air into the tracheostomy tube cuff to achieve a minimal occluding volume. This ensures that the cuff is inflated enough to securely seal the trachea without excessive pressure that may cause tracheal damage. The specific volume of air required can vary, but the end goal is to prevent air leak while minimizing the pressure on the tracheal walls. Achieving a cuff pressure between 20 and 30 cm H₂O is typically recommended to balance these needs. Therefore, the correct answer is option 2) Enough to achieve a minimal occluding volume.