This QuickHiT! came from a consult initiated by a home care nurse who texted Connected Care Live! for clarification about the use of normal saline drops via tracheostomy. In this situation, the child's family had previously learned to routinely instill saline prior to suctioning but this practice differed from the nurse's employer's policy.
This Quick hit alert was identified by a family caregiver in the home setting. It was identified that the pressure gauge of the suction machine (portable or standing) should be checked every time a child is suctioned. Dials and settings on suction machines (older and newer types) can change or “slip” between uses resulting in inadequate suction power.
Read MoreAt recent Connected Care education sessions, home care nurses described being unsure about what is included in an Emergency Tracheostomy Kit
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