Sample interview questions: How do you ensure proper infection control practices during tracheostomy care in critical care?
Sample answer:
- Hand Hygiene:
- Perform hand hygiene before and after touching the patient, the tracheostomy tube, and any related equipment to prevent cross-contamination.
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Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash hands with soap and water.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear clean gloves, a gown, a face mask, and eye protection (such as goggles or a face shield) when providing tracheostomy care.
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Change gloves between different patients and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
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Tracheostomy Tube Cleaning and Maintenance:
- Use a sterile saline solution to clean the inner cannula of the tracheostomy tube twice daily or as per institutional protocol.
- Clean the outer cannula and stoma site with sterile saline or a mild soap solution.
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Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the tracheostomy tube or irritate the stoma site.
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Tracheostomy Tube Changes:
- Replace the tracheostomy tube every 4-6 weeks or based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Follow proper sterile technique during tracheostomy tube changes to minimize the risk of infection.
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Use a new sterile tracheostomy tube and ensure it is properly secured in place.
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Stoma Site Care:
- Clean the stoma site daily with sterile saline or a mild soap solution.
- Apply a protective barrier (such as a hydrocolloid dressing) to the stoma site to prevent skin irritation and promote healing.
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Monitor the stoma site fo… Read full answer
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