A patient with a stoma and tracheostomy tube is responsive to painful stimuli and breathing shallowly at 6 times per minute. He has cyanosis of the fingertips and a weak, rapid radial pulse. Which one of the following is best in providing respiratory care to this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a patient with a tracheostomy tube, ventilations should be delivered directly to the tube rather than through the stoma to maximize air delivery to the lungs. The bag-valve device should be attached directly to the tracheostomy tube to provide respiratory support while the patient is being evaluated and stabilized. Option A is incorrect because removing the tracheostomy tube is potentially life-threatening and it is not recommended to ventilate the patient through the stoma. Option C is not appropriate because it is used for patients with obstructive sleep apnea and not for those who require immediate respiratory support. Option D is not appropriate because using a tracheostomy mask over the tube would not provide adequate positive pressure ventilation for a patient whose respiratory rate is only 6 breaths per minute.

A Patient with a Stoma and Tracheostomy Tube Is Responsive