Final answer:
It is true that a speaking valve should never be placed unless the tracheostomy tube's cuff is fully deflated to ensure the patient can breathe and speak properly.
Step-by-step explanation:
True: A speaking valve should indeed never be placed unless the cuff is fully deflated. The speaking valve is a device that is often attached to a tracheostomy tube, which allows a patient to speak. The cuff mentioned here is a balloon-like structure on the tracheostomy tube that is inflated to secure the tube in place and to prevent air leak or aspiration. When the cuff is inflated, it blocks air from flowing over the vocal cords, which is necessary for phonation. To use a speaking valve, the cuff must be deflated to allow air to pass from the lungs through the vocal cords. Placing a speaking valve on an inflated cuff can prevent the patient from breathing adequately and is therefore a safety risk.