Application and Precautions of Tracheostomy Tube Insertion in Emergency and Long-term Care

Application

1. Emergency Situations:

   • Airway Obstruction: Tracheostomy can be used for patients with severe airway obstruction due to tumors, foreign bodies, or severe allergic reactions.
   • Intensive Care: In intensive care units, tracheostomy provides a safer and more comfortable ventilation method for patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation.

2. Long-term Care:

   • Chronic Respiratory Failure: For patients with chronic respiratory failure who rely on ventilators long-term, tracheostomy can reduce the risks associated with endotracheal intubation.
   • Improving Quality of Life: Tracheostomy can make it easier for patients to engage in daily activities and enhance their quality of life.

Precautions

1. Preoperative Assessment:

   • Conduct a thorough medical history and physical examination to evaluate the patient's airway condition and comorbidities.
   • Consider the patient's age, underlying diseases, and prognosis.

2. Postoperative Care:

   • Regularly change the tracheostomy tube to maintain patency.
   • Ensure proper care of the tracheostomy site to prevent infection.
   • Monitor vital signs, particularly respiratory status and oxygen saturation.

3. Prevention of Complications:

   • Prevent complications related to tracheostomy, such as tracheal stenosis, air leaks, and infections.
   • Educate patients and their families to recognize changes at the tracheostomy site and seek timely medical attention.

4. Psychological Support:

   • Provide necessary psychological support and communication to help patients adapt to life with a tracheostomy.

By applying tracheostomy tube insertion appropriately and following the necessary precautions, it can effectively improve patients' respiratory function and quality of life.