The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient with a cuffed tracheostomy tube. Which action by the nurse would best determine if the cuff has been properly inflated?
a. Use a manometer to ensure cuff pressure is at an appropriate level.
b. Check the amount of cuff pressure ordered by the health care provider.
c. Suction the patient first with a fenestrated inner cannula to clear secretions.
d. Insert the decannulation plug before the nonfenestrated inner cannula is removed.
ANS: A
Measurement of cuff pressure using a manometer to ensure that cuff pressure is 20 mm Hg or lower will avoid compression of the tracheal wall and capillaries. Never insert the decannulation plug in a tracheostomy tube until the cuff is deflated and the nonfenestrated inner cannula is removed. Otherwise, the patient's airway is occluded. A health care provider's order is not required to determine safe cuff pressure. A nonfenestrated inner cannula must be used to suction a patient to prevent tracheal damage occurring from the suction catheter passing through the fenestrated openings.
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