According to my textbook, "if decannulation occurs after 72 hours, extend the client's neck and open the tissues of the stoma to secure the airway".
I assume that "extending the neck" means basically tilting the head back. This may sound like a stupid question, but should you have the patient
lie flat in order to best facilitate that, or keep the patient upright so he/she can breathe easier?
I'm also wondering how extending the neck like that would help keep the stoma tissues open. I think it would be easier if the patient
bends the neck (ie, with chin pointing down).
I would welcome any input on this. Thanks!
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