When a client coughs violently and the tracheostomy tube falls out, the client becomes dyspneic and the nurse attempts to reinsert the tracheostomy tube over the next 60 seconds but is unable to do so. The nurse's next action would be
A) call a code.
B) perform a cricoidectomy.
C) place a finger in the stoma.
D) start oxygen via nasal prongs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the tracheostomy tube cannot be reinserted in 1 minute, the nurse should call a code for respiratory arrest. Unless the client is breathing adequately, an emergency cricoidectomy will be necessary. See the steps in Box 60-2 for the correct procedure.

When a Client Coughs Violently and the Tracheostomy Tube Falls