Tracheotomy is a common procedure in intensive care units, and nurses must provide proper care to tracheostomy patients to prevent complications. One of the most important considerations is effective mobilization of secretions, and a suction catheter is the most important tool for that purpose. Each bedside should be equipped with a functional suctioning system, an oxygen source, a manual resuscitation bag, and a complete tracheostomy kit, which should accompany patients wherever they go in the hospital. Complications include infection, tracheomalacia, skin breakdown, and tracheoesophageal fistula. Tracheostomy emergencies include hemorrhage, tube dislodgement and loss of airway, and tube obstruction; such emergencies are managed more effectively when all necessary supplies are readily available at the bedside. This article describes how to provide proper care in the intensive care unit, strategies for preventing complications, and management of tracheostomy emergencies.

T racheostomy is now considered a common procedure, 1 and so it is important for nurses to become knowledgeable about tracheostomy progression, beginning immediately postoperatively and continuing through long-term care. Most tracheostomies placed in patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are done in order to facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation. After the patient has been liberated from mechanical ventilation and the need for the tracheostomy is resolved, there should be a plan to progress toward decannulation. Daily evaluation of the progress toward decannulation can reduce length of stay, infection rates, and overall health care costs. [2][3][4][5] In this article, we review a systematic method for tracheostomy progression and describe how critical care nurses can facilitate this process. FeatureA plan to progress a tracheostomy toward decannulation should be initiated unless the tracheostomy has been placed for irreversible conditions. In most cases, tracheostomy progression can begin once a patient is free from ventilator dependence. Progression often begins with cuff deflation, which frequently results in the patient's ability to phonate. A systematic approach to tracheostomy progression involves assessing (1) hemodynamic stability, (2) whether the patient has been free from ventilator support for at least 24 hours, (3) swallowing, cough strength, and aspiration risk, (4) management of secretions, and (5) toleration of cuff deflation, followed by (6) changing to a cuffless tube, (7) capping trials, (8) functional decannulation trials, (9) measuring cough strength, and (10) decannulation. Critical care nurses can facilitate the process and avoid unnecessary delays and complications. (Critical Care Nurse. 2014;34[1]:40-50) This article has been designated for CNE credit. A closed-book, multiple-choice examination follows this article, which tests your knowledge of the following objectives:1. Discuss a systematic method for tracheostomy progression 2. Describe how critical care nurses can facilitate the process of decannulation 3. List outcomes achieved with a standardized clinical practice guideline for tracheostomy patients

Tracheostomies may be established as part of an acute or chronic illness, and intensive care nurses can take an active role in helping restore speech in patients with tracheostomies, with focused nursing assessments and interventions. Several different methods are used to restore speech, whether a patient is spontaneously breathing, ventilator dependent, or using intermittent mechanical ventilation. Restoring vocal communication allows patients to fully express themselves and their needs, enhancing patient satisfaction and quality of life.