Assess the Patient
What signs would you look for to assess whether our interventions so far have helped the situation?
What signs would you look for to assess whether our interventions so far have helped the situation?
Look for the following adverse signs:
- Cyanosis or SpO2 that are low or dropping (eg below 90%, but absolute figures will vary)
- Heart rate changes (tachycardia or bradycardia)
- Blood pressure changed (high or low)
- Use of accessory muscles
- Sweating
- Distress
What signs would you look for to assess whether our interventions so far have helped the situation?
Look for the following adverse signs:
- Cyanosis or SpO2 that are low or dropping (eg below 90%, but absolute figures will vary)
- Heart rate changes (tachycardia or bradycardia)
- Blood pressure changed (high or low)
- Use of accessory muscles
- Sweating
- Distress
Yes
If the patient is improving, then the tube may only be partially blocked or displaced, or the patient may be able to breathe past the tube via the upper airways. A stable situation means you can continue your assessment and wait for expert help. An endoscopic inspection of the tube is usually indicated.
Click here to watch a video demonstrating correct positioning of a tracheostomy tube tip, with the carina well seen from the end of the tracheotomy tube.
What signs would you look for to assess whether our interventions so far have helped the situation?
Look for the following adverse signs:
- Cyanosis or SpO2 that are low or dropping (eg below 90%, but absolute figures will vary)
- Heart rate changes (tachycardia or bradycardia)
- Blood pressure changed (high or low)
- Use of accessory muscles
- Sweating
- Distress
No
What signs would you look for to assess whether our interventions so far have helped the situation?
Look for the following adverse signs:
- Cyanosis or SpO2 that are low or dropping (eg below 90%, but absolute figures will vary)
- Heart rate changes (tachycardia or bradycardia)
- Blood pressure changed (high or low)
- Use of accessory muscles
- Sweating
- Distress