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9 Tracheostomy Nursing Care Plans

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By Paul Martin, BSN, R.N.
Tracheostomy Nursing Care Plans
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Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure in which an opening is done into the trachea to prevent or relieve the airway obstruction and/or to serve as access for suctioning and for mechanical ventilation and other modes of oxygen delivery (tracheostomy collar, T-piece).

A tracheostomy can facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation by reducing dead space and lowering airway resistance. It also improves client comfort by removing the endotracheal (ET) tube from the mouth or nose.

The tracheostomy is preferred over an ET when an artificial airway is needed for more than a few days. Methods can be instituted for the client to eat and speak, as well.

Nursing care plan goals and objectives for a client who had undergone tracheostomy include maintaining a patent airway through proper suctioning of secretions, providing an alternative means of communication, providing information on tracheostomy care, and preventing the occurrence of infection.

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Nursing Care Plans

Here are nine nursing care plans and nursing diagnoses for tracheostomy:

  1. Ineffective Airway Clearance
  2. Impaired Verbal Communication
  3. Deficient Knowledge
  4. Risk for Impaired Gas Exchange
  5. Risk for Infection
  6. Anxiety
  7. Deficient Knowledge
  8. Risk for Aspiration
  9. Risk for Injury

1. Ineffective Airway Clearance

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Ineffective Airway Clearance

Nursing Diagnosis

May be related to

  • Copious secretions
  • Decreased energy and fatigue
  • Presence of artificial airway: tracheostomy
  • Thick secretions

Possibly evidenced by

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  • Abnormal breath sounds (crackles, rhonchi)
  • Dyspnea
  • Ineffective cough
  • Increased breathing effort: nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, use of accessory muscles
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tachypnea and/or changes in breathing pattern

Desired Outcomes

  • Client will maintain a clear, open airway as evidenced by normal breath sounds, normal rate, and depth of respiration, and the ability to effectively cough up secretions.
Nursing InterventionsRationale
Assess changes in BP, HR, and temperature.Tachycardia and hypertension may be related to an increased work of breathing. As the hypoxia and/or hypercapnia become severe, BP and HR drop. Fever may develop in response to retained secretions.
Assess respirations: note the quality, rate, rhythm, nasal flaring, and any increased use of accessory muscles of respiration.These abnormalities indicate a respiratory compromise. An increase in respiratory rate and rhythm may be a compensatory response to airway obstruction. The breathing pattern may alter to include the use of accessory muscles to increase chest excursion.
Auscultate the lungs, noting areas of decreased ventilation and for the presence of adventitious breath sounds.Decreased or absent breath sounds may indicate the presence of a mucus plug or other airway obstruction; wheezing may indicate partial airway obstruction or narrowing coarse crackles and/or rhonchi may indicate the presence of secretions along larger airways.
Assist the effectiveness of cough. Observe the color, consistency, and quantity of secretions.Abnormalities may be a result of infection, bronchitis, long term smoking, or other conditions. A sign of infection is discolored sputum. Thick, tenacious secretions increase hypoxemia and may be indicative of dehydration.
Encourage the client to cough out secretions. If the cough is ineffective, Institute suctioning of the airway as needed.Coughing is the most helpful way to remove most secretions. The client may be able to perform independently. Suctioning removes secretions if the client is unable to effectively clear the airway. Frequent suctioning should be based on the client’s clinical status, not on a present routine, such as every hour. Over suctioning can cause hypoxia and injury to bronchial and lung tissue.
Provide warm, humidified air.A tracheostomy bypasses the nose, which is the body area that humidifies and warms inspired air. A decrease in the humidity of the inspired air will cause secretions to thicken. Also, cool air may decrease the ciliary function. Providing humidification of inspired air will prevent the drying and crusting of secretions.
Transport the client with portable oxygen, Ambu bag, suction equipment, and extra tracheostomy tube.Being prepared for an emergency helps prevent future complications.
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1. Ineffective Airway Clearance

Recommended Resources

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See Also

Other recommended site resources for this nursing care plan:

Other nursing care plans related to respiratory system disorders:

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Paul Martin, BSN, R.N.
Paul Martin is a registered nurse with a bachelor of science in nursing since 2007. Having worked as a medical-surgical nurse for five years, he handled different kinds of patients and learned how to provide individualized care to them. Now, his experiences working in the hospital is carried over to his writings to help aspiring students achieve their goals. He is currently working as a nursing instructor and have a particular interest in nursing management, emergency care, critical care, infection control, and public health. As a writer at Nurseslabs, his goal is to impart his clinical knowledge and skills to students and nurses helping them become the best version of themselves and ultimately make an impact in uplifting the nursing profession.

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