What is the principal difference in tracheostomy care between care given in the acute care setting and care given in the home care environment?

Question

a. In the acute care setting, the inner cannula is cleaned.
b. In the home care setting, dressings are not necessary.
c. In the acute care setting, hydrogen peroxide is used for cleaning.
d. In the home care setting, the procedure may be done with clean technique.

Answer 1

D
The indications for performing tracheostomy care and suctioning in the home are similar to those for tracheostomy care and suctioning in the hospital, except for one key variable: the use of medical asepsis or clean technique. In the hospital, principles of surgical asepsis are used because the patient is more susceptible to infection, and because the hospital contains more virulent or pathogenic microorganisms than are usually present in the home setting. In the home setting, most patients use clean technique. Inner cannula care is performed both at home and in the acute care setting. The inner cannula is available in both disposable and nondisposable forms. Fresh trach dressings protect the skin around the stoma from pressure breakdown and collect secretions; they are necessary in both acute care and home care settings. Hydrogen peroxide may be used in both home care and acute care settings.