You are changing the tape on a tracheostomy tube when the patient coughs, and the tube becomes dislodged. The initial action of the nurse should be:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should grasp the retention sutures and spread the opening of the site. If policy allows, the nurse would then reinsert the tracheostomy or notify the physician to come reinsert the tube. The nurse should be sure not to do anything that would block the airway until the tube is reinserted.

You Are Changing the Tape on a Tracheostomy Tube When