Arizona State University (ASU) NUR 436 Experiential Learning: Advanced Midterm Practice Test

Having airway rescue tools ready at the bedside is essential because tracheostomy care can suddenly encounter problems like tube obstruction, dislodgement, or hypoventilation. The items listed provide a complete, ready-to-use airway management kit: a resuscitation bag with mask lets you manually ventilate if the tube isn’t functioning or needs assistance, while humidified oxygen ensures the gas delivered to the airway stays moist and helps prevent drying and thick secretions. Suction is crucial to remove secretions, mucus plugs, or blood that can block the tube and compromise ventilation. An obturator aids in reinserting a displaced tracheostomy tube with less trauma to the tract, improving the chances of quickly restoring patency and ventilation.

Having only a bag does not address the need for oxygen delivery, suction, or reinsertion capability. A ventilator and defibrillator aren’t routinely required for standard bedside trach care, and an endotracheal tube with a laryngoscope reflects different procedures used for initial intubation rather than ongoing tracheostomy maintenance.