Patient presents to the emergency department by ambulance after handing a gas attendant a note stating “call 911.” This patient has throat and mouth that had been previously treated with crystalline vitamin C. This alternative treatment did not work and resulted in continued tumor growth. …show more content…
Complications associated with infection or long-term tracheostomies and be prevented with meticulous tracheostomy care (Parker, 2014). With such hands-on care expected, which is especially overwhelming in the initial stages, it is critical for home health or nursing assistance to be made available for this couple. This should be established before discharge by the case manager or social worker. Home health programs and nurses can provide additional training and teaching and provide care within the home and reduce exposure to infectious agents. Since the tracheostomy serves as a port of entry, its proper care is critically important to prevent patient readmission. The American Academy of Otolaryngology suggests an emergency supply checklist be provided to and reviewed with all patients or caregivers of patients with new tracheostomies (McCormick et al., 2015). Supplies such as oxygen, suctioning canister and tubing, tracheostomy collar should be available to the patient upon discharge. Although this checklist purposes to ensures consistent education, a survey found that many still feel unprepared and suggest continued education and evaluation in a home health setting (McCormick et al., 2015). With further evaluation and education, the rate of infection and readmissions should decrease. In addition, many reported the need for “emergency preparedness” training …show more content…
Studies have shown the importance of emotional support for not only the terminally ill but also family members and care givers (Douglas & Daly, 2014). Patients who received interdisciplinary support from a cancer team reported improved mood and quality of