Test 4 Flashcards
(300 cards)
What is a chest tube?
a tube is placed to remove an unwanted substance from the thoracic cavity
Why is the skin tunnel important?
no direct path inside the chest to outside, less chance air in chest, barrier to bacteria entrance
Why are air leaks bad?
having air leak into the tube cause a pneumothorax and collapse
Three-way stop cock are a way to do what?
attach suction, then turn off and clear syringe
How do you care for chest tubes?
place a vaseline soaked gauze over incision, cover in sterile gauze squares, then wrap chest in conforming gauze and vet wrap
How often should you check a chest tube?
every 2 hours
What is a tracheostomy?
surgical introduction of a tracheostomy tube into the trachea to allow direct airflow
In what cases would a tracheostomy be performed?
blocked upper-airways, facilitate removal of fluids from lungs, allow anesthesia when doing surgery on nose or mouth
What is a tracheotomy?
incision of the trachea through the skin and muscles of the neck for exploration, for removal of a foreign body
What may be planned as for post-op care?
tracheostomy
When might a tracheostomy be performed?
in an emergency situation with obstruction of the upper airway
What is more important in a tracheostomy than clipping and sterile prep?
reestablishing upper airway
What is the site for a tracheostomy?
midway between the larynx and thoracic inlet, on the midline
What should be avoided in a tracheostomy?
jugular, carotid, vagus nerve
What is helpful in a tracheostomy?
line block with local anesthetics
Separate muscles over trachea and enter where in a tracheostomy?
between trachea rings
What are the different types of tracheostomy tubes?
stainless steel, flexible plastic or latex, single and double lumen tubes, cuffed tubes
Goals of maintenance for a tracheostomy?
asepsis of site and lungs, patency, patient comfort
What are the maintenance steps for a tracheostomy?
incision care, humidity, suctioning-continued patency, care of tube
You should clean the incision of a tracheostomy with what?
q-tip or 2x2 gauze soaked in .05% chlorhexadine solution
What should be placed down tracheostomy tube hourly?
.5-3 mls of sterile normal saline
What should be done for a tracheostomy tube every 4 hours?
nebulize with saline =/- meds for 10-15
Why should you suction a tracheostomy tube?
fluid and debris will accumulate in lumen of tube
What may debris or fluid in tube cause?
a life-threating blockage of the tube