A patient with a tracheostomy has a new order for a fenestrated tracheostomy tube. Which action should the nurse include in the plan of care in collaboration with the speech therapist?
a. Leave the tracheostomy inner cannula inserted at all times.
b. Place the decannulation cap in the tube before cuff deflation.
c. Assess the ability to swallow before using the fenestrated tube.
d. Inflate the tracheostomy cuff during use of the fenestrated tube.
ANS: C
Because the cuff is deflated when using a fenestrated tube, the patient's risk for aspiration should be assessed before changing to a fenestrated tracheostomy tube. The decannulation cap is never inserted before cuff deflation because to do so would obstruct the patient's airway. The cuff is deflated and the inner cannula removed to allow air to flow across the patient's vocal cords when using a fenestrated tube.
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