A 23-year-old patient sustained a cervical spinal cord injury from a motorcycle accident. A tracheostomy is made to facilitate long-term ventilation. In performing tracheostomy care, the nurse would take the highest consideration on which of the following?

Explanation

•If the patient is allowed to eat, the cuff should be deflated prior to and 1 hour after meals to reduce the risk of aspiration.

•The full length of the tracheostomy tube should be suctioned to remove secretions and ensure a patent airway.

•Dressings are changed every day to prevent infection.

•Tracheostomy ties should not be too tight, this could cause pressure on the jugular veins.

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