The nurse performs tracheostomy care for the patient. Which instruction does the nurse give to nursing assistive personnel (NAP) to implement while changing the ties of the tracheostomy tube?

Question

a. Prevent the patient from coughing out the tube.
b. Don sterile gloves before providing assis-tance.
c. Inject sterile saline solution into the tra-cheostomy.
d. Hold the tracheostomy tube securely in place.

Answer 1

D
The nurse instructs the NAP to hold the tracheostomy tube firmly in place to prevent accidental dislodgement and to maintain a gentle hold because excessive pressure can induce patient coughing. The NAP wears clean gloves to hold the tracheostomy tube in place. Injecting sterile saline solution into the tracheostomy tube is contraindicated.