An alert patient with a long-term need for a tracheostomy tube (because of recurrent aspiration) is having difficulty communicating with the intensive care unit staff. Which of the following would you recommend to help this patient communicate better?
1) Use a letter, phrase, or picture board.
2) Consider switching to a fenestrated tracheostomy tube.
3) Consider a "talking" tracheostomy tube.
A)1 and 2 only
B)1 and 3 only
C)2 and 3 only
D)1, 2, and 3

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using a letter, phrase, or picture board can help the patient communicate effectively even without a talking tracheostomy tube. A "talking" tracheostomy tube is an option, but it may not be necessary in this case as the patient is alert and able to use other means of communication. Switching to a fenestrated tracheostomy tube may improve the patient's ability to speak but it may not completely solve the communication issue. Therefore, options 1 and 3 would be the best choices.

An Alert Patient with a Long-Term Need for a Tracheostomy