A Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Underwent a Tracheostomy

A nurse is caring for a client who underwent a tracheostomy following throat surgery. What is the rationale for swabbing the area around the outside of the tracheostomy tube with hydrogen peroxide?

A) To relieve bronchospasm
B) To hydrate thick sputum
C) To reduce inflammation
D) To remove encrusted secretions