NUR 185 Exam 1 Study Guide for Fall 2025
Trach Suctioning and Care
Correct Trach Suctioning Methods
Sterile Technique: Always use sterile technique and wear
a face shield to prevent infection during the procedure.
Lubrication: Apply lubricant on the suction tube to
facilitate smooth insertion.
Oxygenation: Oxygenate the patient before and after
suctioning to maintain adequate oxygen levels.
Suctioning Technique: During catheter insertion, keep the
vent open to avoid suctioning. Suction intermittently while
rotating the catheter and withdrawing it.
Duration of Suctioning: Limit suctioning to 10-15 seconds
to prevent hypoxia.
Post-Suctioning Care: Rinse the catheter with normal
saline and document the patient's status before and after the
procedure.
Steps for Trach Care
Standard Precautions: Always use standard precautions to
minimize infection risk.
Suctioning Before Dressing Change: Suction the
tracheostomy before removing the old dressing to clear
secretions.
, Cleaning the Cannula: Use sterile normal saline to clean
the inner cannula, avoiding the outer cannula.
Stoma Care: Cleanse the stoma and surrounding skin
carefully, ensuring no solution enters the stoma.
Changing Ties and Dressing: Change tracheostomy ties
and replace the dressing with a precut pad, ensuring it is
secure.
Ventilator Management and VAP Prevention
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
Definition: VAP is a significant complication of
mechanical ventilation, leading to increased morbidity and
mortality.
Prevention Bundle: The Institute for Healthcare
Improvement recommends a VAP prevention bundle
including head elevation, sedation vacations, and daily
assessments for extubation readiness.
Oral Care: Daily oral care with chlorhexidine is crucial to
reduce bacterial colonization in the mouth.
Prophylaxis: Implement peptic ulcer disease and deep vein
thrombosis prophylaxis to mitigate risks associated with
immobility and stress.
Monitoring: Regularly assess vital signs and arterial blood
gases to evaluate the patient's readiness for extubation.
Oxygen Therapy
Trach Suctioning and Care
Correct Trach Suctioning Methods
Sterile Technique: Always use sterile technique and wear
a face shield to prevent infection during the procedure.
Lubrication: Apply lubricant on the suction tube to
facilitate smooth insertion.
Oxygenation: Oxygenate the patient before and after
suctioning to maintain adequate oxygen levels.
Suctioning Technique: During catheter insertion, keep the
vent open to avoid suctioning. Suction intermittently while
rotating the catheter and withdrawing it.
Duration of Suctioning: Limit suctioning to 10-15 seconds
to prevent hypoxia.
Post-Suctioning Care: Rinse the catheter with normal
saline and document the patient's status before and after the
procedure.
Steps for Trach Care
Standard Precautions: Always use standard precautions to
minimize infection risk.
Suctioning Before Dressing Change: Suction the
tracheostomy before removing the old dressing to clear
secretions.
, Cleaning the Cannula: Use sterile normal saline to clean
the inner cannula, avoiding the outer cannula.
Stoma Care: Cleanse the stoma and surrounding skin
carefully, ensuring no solution enters the stoma.
Changing Ties and Dressing: Change tracheostomy ties
and replace the dressing with a precut pad, ensuring it is
secure.
Ventilator Management and VAP Prevention
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
Definition: VAP is a significant complication of
mechanical ventilation, leading to increased morbidity and
mortality.
Prevention Bundle: The Institute for Healthcare
Improvement recommends a VAP prevention bundle
including head elevation, sedation vacations, and daily
assessments for extubation readiness.
Oral Care: Daily oral care with chlorhexidine is crucial to
reduce bacterial colonization in the mouth.
Prophylaxis: Implement peptic ulcer disease and deep vein
thrombosis prophylaxis to mitigate risks associated with
immobility and stress.
Monitoring: Regularly assess vital signs and arterial blood
gases to evaluate the patient's readiness for extubation.
Oxygen Therapy
