Pulse Oximeter
A device clipped onto the finger that measures pulse rate and oxygen levels using a light
Artificial Airway
Any sort of rubber, metal, or plastic device inserted to help keep airways open and promote breathing
Intubation
Passage of a tube into the mouth, nose, or opening in the neck and into the trachea
Tracheostomy
A hole is surgically created in the neck and a tube is inserted into the trachea via the hole
Tracheostomy Tube
Tube inserted through a hole in the neck to help promote breathing. People can usually learn how to talk through a trach tube.
How does a NA care for a patient with a tracheostomy tube?
- Report to the nurse if it falls out or it pulled on or bitten
- Be patient and try different ways to communicate
- Report trouble breathing, gurgling sounds, and shortness of breath
- Report skin breakdown (irritation, rash, cracks, etc.)
- Report changes in discharge
- Check vital signs and perform oral care as directed
Mechanical Ventilation
Using a machine to assist in inflating and deflating the lungs when a person is unable to do so on their own
Why might being on a ventilator cause someone to feel fearful?
Air does not reach the vocal cords when on a ventilator, and so the patient will not be able to speak. They often have fear that they will not be able to communicate trouble breathing.
How does an NA care for someone on a ventilator?
- Wash your hands often; they are at an increased risk for a type of pneumonia
- Report to the nurse if the alarm sounds
- Report if tubing is disconnected or loose
- Report skin care issues (redness, dryness, blood, irritation)
- Report if the resident is pulling or biting the tube
- Be patient with communication
- Check on the patient often
What are some examples of respiratory distress?
Gurgling sounds, difficulty breathing, rapid respiratory rate, pale, bluish, or gray skin around the eyes, mouth, fingernails, or toenails, nostrils flaring, wheezing, sweating, and retracting (chest appears to sink below the neck with each breath)
Chest Tube
Hollow drainage tubes inserted into the chest during a sterile procedure. They drain fluids and air from the pleural cavity. They can be placed on the front, back, and sides of the body and more than one can be placed.
How do you take care of a patient with a chest tube(s)?
- Be aware of how many tubes there are and where they are.
- Check vital signs as directed
- Report signs of respiratory distress and complaints
- Prevent tube kinking and watch for tube disconnection
- Keep drainage containers upright
- Keep the drainage system below the patient’s chest
- Observe chest drainage color and amount and report any changes; report clots and odors
- Help with breathing and coughing exercises and follow the repositioning schedule, moving both the patient and the tubes; get help if needed
Can NAs change oxygen levels?
No; this is not permissible
What types of things should not be allowed around oxygen tanks?
Flammable things, such as petroleum jellies, Vaseline, cigarettes, and alcohol.
