Artificial Airway

Ruma suffered a hemorrhagic stroke twenty-one days ago. She required prolonged mechanical ventilation necessitating a tracheostomy. The patient’s condition has been steadily improving. She has been weaned off of mechanical ventilation and is breathing on her own, receiving oxygen via a humidified trach collar. Ruma is alert and oriented. A transfusion of PRBCs was started 30 minutes ago due to her chronic anemia.

Learning Objectives

1. Students will perform room surveillance and obtain a complete set of vital signs.
2. Students will identify there is an alteration in the patient’s airway/breathing/circulation and intervene accordingly.
3. Students will demonstrate an accurate and comprehensive physical assessment.
4. Students will identify abnormal clinical assessment findings and notify the provider.
5. Students will implement an appropriate plan of care and demonstrate appropriate re-evaluation of the patient.