trachnurse

thanks so much! Now that I know the answer, I think, gosh! I should've been able to figure that one out!

thanks for your quick reply, do you put the obtuator in before or at the same time as the outer cannula?

oh I am an LPN and I suction all the time as do a couple other LPN's that wrork there

I have a client with a metal trach that we clean once a shift or more depending on the amount of blood and mucus build up. We too use 1/2 strength hydrogen peroxide (h2o2) and sterile water. I like to let it soak if there is a lot of gunk, just for a minute or two though. I have a question though... I dont understand the obturator use. I know it blocks the airway, so if someone could explain it to me I would be grateful! Thanks

This is my first time on here so I don't know if this is being placed the right way or not... I have a question, I take care of a man with esophageal cancer and he has a trach. We have an emergency obturator by the bed, just in case. I thought an abturator was to block the airway and I don't understand why I would ever need that. They say for when the outer cannula comes out, but how does this work? I don't get it. thanks