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In which of these situations would you only get airflow through the tracheostomy tube or stoma, and not the upper airways (nose and mouth)?
Select true or false for each of the following statements.
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A. False. The lack of cuff means air would flow past the tube. This flow could be increased however using a fenestrated inner tube.
B. True. There is no connection between the lungs and the face.
C. True. Assuming that the tube is correctly positioned, the cuff should seal the trachea. An air leak to the upper airways is a ‘red flag’ and could suggest malposition.
D. True. Technically true as the upper airway is sealed off, but this combination is potentially fatal! No gas can be expired through the one way valve. Speaking valves should only be used with uncuffed, ideally fenestrated tubes. Deflated cuffed tubes with speaking valves can be used but only in a highly monitored environment. See the nursing care session for further information about speaking valves.
E. False. This ideal combination for a speaking valve allows gas flow through the larynx and speech.
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