Cleaning a tracheostomy tube involves several steps:
1. Hand Hygiene: Always begin by washing your hands thoroughly to prevent infection. 2. Equipment Preparation: Gather all necessary supplies such as saline solution, hydrogen peroxide, sterile gauze, and a clean tracheostomy tube if a replacement is needed. 3. Suctioning: Suction the tracheostomy tube to remove secretions. 4. Cleaning the Stoma: Use a saline solution to clean the stoma site. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could irritate the skin. 5. Inner Cannula Care: Remove the inner cannula if the tracheostomy tube has one. Clean it with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and saline, then rinse it thoroughly with sterile saline before reinserting.