Specific Health Issues: Tracheotomy -- SHNIC School Nurses Information

• Medical diagnosis for student with tracheotomy.
• Student's need for support during reinsertion.
• Baseline status of student, color, trach size, trach secretions, respiration rate and pulse.
• Student's ability to assist with trach care (i.e., suctioning, trach change, mucous plugs).
• History of respiratory distress, signs and symptoms.
• Ability of child to breath without trach.
• Activity limitations.
• Emergency protocols regarding resus orders, reinsertion of trach, as well as what to do if trach cannot be re-inserted.
• Teaching of emergency protocols, respiratory distress and other care concerns to staff.
• Helpful Tip: Have available in a supply bag with student the following items:
  • Spare tracheotomy tube, with ties attached and obturator (one trach should be a size smaller than regular trach size).
  • Water soluble lubricant or saline.
  • Blunt scissors.
  • Suction supplies with correct suction catheter size and suction machine that is charged.
  • Gloves.
  • Ambu bag with proper connecting tube for oxygen tank and trach adaptor.

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