Mom wants HME removed just as pt coughs to save HME but I then get sputum all over me

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I am doing private duty nursing and my patient has a trach and excessive secretions. Mom likes to remove HME as she starts to cough so she can save the HME from getting wet. She says she doesn't have enough to last her all month. My problem is when she coughs the mucus shoots across the room, hits the wall, ceiling and me. Right now she is sick so I dont want to be around it. I live this family and I want to work this out. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.

Stand to the side of her so you aren't in the line of fire.

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Make sure to wear a mask to protect yourself.

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Stand to the side of her so you aren't in the line of fire.

This is good advice for anyone working with trach patients whether it be this situation or routine suctioning/trach care. If you position yourself correctly, you won't get any of her respiratory secretions on yourself.

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