How to

How to perform a tracheostomy dressing and inner cannula change

Rationale and key points

Proactive tracheostomy management increases patient safety and reduces adverse events.

A cleaning regimen performed every four hours reduces the risk of a blocked tracheostomy cannula, complete tube occlusion and respiratory arrest.

Sterile tracheostomy dressings allow secretions from the stoma to be absorbed and prevent pressure damage from the tracheostomy tube.

Regular dressing changes and skin inspection permit timely identification of inflammatory processes and skin excoriation, enabling prompt treatment to be instigated.

Reflective activity

Clinical skills articles can help update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of:

How this article will change your practice.

How you intend to develop your knowledge and skills regarding tracheostomy management.

Subscribers can upload their reflective accounts at: rcni.com/portfolio.

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