Final answer:
A tracheostomy is performed to assist a patient with breathing by creating an opening in the trachea.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of a tracheostomy in an ill patient is to assist the patient with breathing. A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the trachea (windpipe) through the neck. This allows for direct access to the airway and facilitates breathing in patients who have difficulty breathing due to an obstruction.