digest
Short Summary
Main recommendation: Learn proper tracheostomy self-suctioning technique, with a trained nurse guiding you, so you can clear your airway in an emergency. The video explains why mucus builds up after tracheostomy placement and demonstrates the step-by-step method for intermittent suction with a suction catheter.
Key Points
- After a tracheostomy, inflammation can cause the lungs to produce extra phlegm (mucus), which can build up into a mucus plug that blocks the airway.
- Humidified oxygen is used with tracheostomies to keep secretions moist and protect the airway lining.
- The health of the tracheostomy is directly tied to the health of the airway, even after discharge to home health or a skilled nursing facility.
- Loved ones should also learn the technique, since they may need to act in an emergency.
- Nurses will guide you through proper technique if you show willingness to learn.
Details Worth Noting
- Concrete instructions:
- Gather supplies: a suction catheter kit, portable suction, and normal saline solution.
- Wash hands thoroughly to prevent infection. Clean technique is acceptable at home; hospitals use sterile technique.
- Put on gloves.
- Place your thumb over the control valve. Practice intermittent suction by tapping the valve; the catheter only suctions when the thumb covers the valve.
- With your dominant hand, estimate about six to eight inches, then insert the catheter into the inner cannula.
- If you feel resistance, pull back a few centimeters and advance the catheter again.
- Once the catheter is advanced or you start to cough, slowly withdraw it while gently rotating your fingertips.
- Apply intermittent suction only while withdrawing, for no more than 10 seconds at a time. Take a short break and repeat if needed.
- If the catheter is filled with secretions, pour saline into the cardboard container to clean and moisten it.
- Practice with a used catheter (not reused in hospitals) to build intermittent suction skill, and have loved ones practice too.
- The video notes that trauma such as tracheostomy insertion triggers inflammation, which is the underlying cause of the mucus buildup.
- The video states that you are not expected to do this alone; hospital nurses will help you and your loved ones.
Bottom Line
Self-suctioning is a learnable skill that protects a tracheostomy airway, and practicing it with nursing guidance before you need it can make a real difference in an emergency.
