Lesson 1Humidification and secretion management: nebulizers, heated humidification, mucolytics, and physiotherapy adjunctsExplores methods to maintain adequate humidification and thin secretions, including heated humidifiers, HMEs, nebulizers, and mucolytics. Covers hydration, airway clearance techniques, and physiotherapy adjuncts to reduce plugging and infection risk.
Physiology of humidification in tracheostomyHeated humidifiers and HME device useNebulized saline and bronchodilator therapyUse of mucolytics and hydration strategiesChest physiotherapy and airway clearance aidsLesson 2Cleaning or changing inner cannula: timing, sterile/clean technique, steps to remove/clean/replace, troubleshooting stuck cannulaOutlines when to clean versus change the inner cannula, and differences between sterile and clean technique. Provides stepwise removal, cleaning, inspection, and replacement, plus troubleshooting for stuck or obstructed cannulas and emergency backup plans.
Timing and indications for cannula careSterile versus clean technique selectionRemoving, inspecting, and cleaning cannulaReplacing cannula and confirming patencyManaging stuck or obstructed inner cannulasLesson 3Assessing need for suctioning: objective and subjective indicators and minimizing unnecessary suctioningCovers how to recognize when suctioning is truly needed using objective and subjective indicators, how to avoid reflexive or routine suctioning, and strategies to minimize mucosal trauma, hypoxia, and infection from unnecessary interventions.
Objective respiratory indicators for suctioningSubjective patient cues and distress signsDifferentiating upper versus lower airway secretionsRisks of routine or excessive suctioningDocumentation of assessment and clinical rationaleLesson 4Positioning and patient communication strategies prior to procedure; preoxygenation and monitoring set-upDescribes optimal positioning to improve ventilation and secretion clearance, and strategies for communication with patients who cannot speak. Covers preoxygenation, monitoring setup, and baseline assessments to enhance safety during suctioning procedures.
Positioning for comfort and secretion drainageCommunication aids for nonverbal patientsPreoxygenation methods and indicationsBaseline vital signs and SpO2 assessmentContinuous monitoring during and after careLesson 5Closed inline suction technique: indications, equipment set-up, stepwise use and benefits for oxygenation and infection controlReviews when closed inline suction is preferred, required equipment, and circuit connections. Describes stepwise technique, suction settings, and how this method supports oxygenation, reduces disconnections, and lowers infection and aerosol risks.
Indications for closed inline suction useAssembling and connecting inline systemStepwise closed suctioning techniqueOptimizing suction pressure and durationBenefits for oxygenation and infection controlLesson 6Preparation and safety checklist: hand hygiene, PPE, materials list (suction setup, sterile gloves, saline, sterile catheters, spare tube, humidification supplies) and patient ID confirmationProvides a structured safety checklist before tracheostomy care. Emphasizes hand hygiene, PPE, patient identification, and assembling suction, oxygen, spare tube, and emergency equipment to reduce delays, errors, and procedure-related complications.
Hand hygiene and appropriate PPE selectionVerifying patient identity and consentPreparing suction and oxygen equipmentReadying sterile catheters and spare tubeFinal safety pause and environment checkLesson 7Open suction technique via tracheostomy: stepwise sterile method, catheter sizing, suction pressure settings, duration limits and complication avoidanceExplains indications for open suction, sterile setup, and catheter sizing. Provides a stepwise sterile technique, suction pressure and duration limits, and methods to reduce hypoxia, bleeding, bronchospasm, and cross contamination during open suctioning.
Indications and contraindications for open suctionPreparing sterile field and equipment setupChoosing catheter size and suction pressureStepwise insertion, suctioning, and withdrawalRecognizing and managing open suction complicationsLesson 8Stoma cleaning and dressing change: materials, gentle technique, assessing and documenting skin integrity, preventing pressure injuryDetails required supplies, infection prevention measures, and gentle stoma cleaning technique. Explains dressing selection, frequency of changes, skin integrity assessment, and strategies to prevent pressure injury from the flange, ties, and adjacent devices.
Required materials and infection control setupStepwise stoma cleansing and drying techniqueSelecting and changing tracheostomy dressingsAssessing and documenting peristomal skinPreventing pressure injury from flange and tiesLesson 9Securing and checking tracheostomy tube and ties: how to assess stability and avoid accidental decannulationFocuses on assessing tracheostomy tube position and stability, correct tie tension, and skin protection. Describes safe tie changes, use of securing devices, and routine checks to prevent accidental decannulation or tube migration during care and transfers.
Assessing tube position and depth markingsEvaluating tie tension and skin contactChanging ties while maintaining airway safetyUse of commercial securing devicesPreventing and responding to decannulation
