Dislodgement

If Tracheostomy Is Less Than 4 Days Old

STAT intervention is required because tract can collapse suddenly-notify physician and RT STAT.

1. Open tracheostomy with a sterile hemostat, suction catheter, or sterile gloved finger to maintain airway and to keep edges of tracheostomy from collapsing.
2. If Pt cannot breathe, ventilate using BVM.
3. If you cannot be sure someone clinically prepared to reinsert tracheostomy tube will arrive within 1 min, call a Code.

If Tracheostomy Is More Than 4 Days Old

• Tract will be well formed and will not close quickly.
1. Notify physician and RT that tube needs to be replaced.
2. Obtain replacement tube if not already at Pt’s bedside.
3. Stay with Pt and prepare for insertion of new tube.