Anatomy and Physiology of Tracheostomy
- Definition of terminology used
- Surgical vs. Percutaneous Tracheostomy
Clinical Features of a tracheostomy tube
Intubation and Tracheostomy—Benefits and Risks
- Endotracheal tube advantages/disadvantages
- Tracheostomy tube advantages/disadvantages
Sizing tracheostomy tubes
Manufacturers of Tracheostomy tubes
Special Considerations of managing a tracheostomy tube
- Cuff pressures
- Essential daily cares
- Necessary supplies
- Cannula cleaning/exchanging
- Maintaining stoma and skin integrity
- Minimal Leak technique vs. minimal occlusive volume
Speaking Valves
- Anatomy & physiology of common speaking tubes
- Population and timing
- Warning/Precautions
- Assessment and placement guidelines
- Trouble shooting during valve assessment/use
- Ventilator modifications for safety and success
- Inline speaking valves
- Decision making for the respiratory therapists
- Tidal volumes
- Peak inspiratory pressures
- Minimal vent parameters to facilitate successful application
Fenestrated tracheostomy tubes
Dysphagia and the tracheotomized patient
- Post extubation consideration
- Effect of tracheostomy on swallowing
- Effect of cervical bracing on tracheotomized patient
- Assessment of swallowing
- Blue Dye vs. Fees vs. MBSS
- Impact of speaking valve upon swallowing
Multidisciplinary care of a patient with tracheostomy
- Role of SLP, nurse, and respiratory therapist
- Review a sample of policy/procedure
Case Study