NURSING 421

Tracheostomy is the procedure that creates an opening from the midline of the throat into the trachea. A tracheostomy tube (TT), a type of artificial airway, is placed in the stoma to keep it open. Tracheostomy tubes allow for removal of secretions and relief of airway obstruction due to trauma, bleeding, tumors, tissue swelling, infections, chemical or inhalation burns, and obstructive sleep apnea. TTs also are used when patients cannot protect their own airway and when an oral airway cannot be...