Tracheotomy, Updated

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About the Course:
This advanced course covers when, why, and how a tracheotomy is performed as well as routine and emergency care for a tracheostomy tube. It describes various types of tracheostomy tubes and explains adjuncts to tracheostomy tubes, such as speaking valves and buttons. For clinicians in practice who care for patients with a tracheostomy, this course will improve knowledge and increase the competence of the caregiver. For clinicians who also may assist in the placement of the tracheostomy tube, this course fully explains the process and expectations of the assistant. 
 
Learning Objectives: 
After completing this course, the learner will be able to: 
  • Define tracheotomy and list indications and contraindications of tracheotomy. 
  • List the complications of a tracheotomy, including those associated with the actual surgical procedure and the complications over time. 
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a tracheotomy.
  • Describe the surgical and percutaneous tracheotomy procedure and how to assist the physician with the procedure, including the verification of correct placement of the tracheostomy tube on chest X-ray. 
  • List the steps, equipment, and supplies required for tracheostomy care and discuss problems that may be encountered during the procedure and the decannulation process. 
  • Describe the components of a tracheostomy tube, trach accessories, and different types of tracheostomy tubes. 
About the Author: 
Lisa Conry, RRT, is a registered respiratory therapist with 42 years of experience in the field. For the past 31 years she has been a respiratory care educator. She has a bachelor of general studies degree from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, and a master of arts degree from the Ohio State University. She obtained her registry by attending the Advanced Practitioner Program at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics. She has reviewed numerous publications and authored several modules for an online respiratory care program developed by Jones and Bartlett Learning.
 
How to Receive Credit
  • Read the entire course online or in print.
  • Depending on your state requirements you will be asked to:
  • Complete a mandatory test (a passing score of 75 percent is required). Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
  • Provide required personal information and payment information.
  • Complete the mandatory Course Evaluation.
  • Print your Certificate of Completion.
Disclosures
Resolution of Conflict of Interest
The contributors to this course have no conflicts of interest relative to its content. Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.
 
Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.
 
Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

©2020: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing, but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation or circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.