A 55-year-old man on ICU has a new tracheostomy (day 3 post-insertion). During routine cuff pressure check, the cuff fails to hold pressure despite re...

Question

A 55-year-old man on ICU has a new tracheostomy (day 3 post-insertion). During routine cuff pressure check, the cuff fails to hold pressure despite repeated inflation. Air is heard leaking from the mouth. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Replace the tracheostomy tube with a new one of the same size - the cuff is likely defective (ruptured cuff)

Answer

Increase the cuff inflation volume to compensate for the leak

Answer

Ignore the leak and continue ventilation

Answer

Remove the tracheostomy and reintubate from above

Answer

Apply an external dressing to seal the leak

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Tracheostomy Cuff Failure

A 55-year-old man on ICU has a new tracheostomy (day 3 post-insertion). During routine cuff pressure check, the cuff fails to hold pressure despite repeated inflation. Air is heard leaking from the mouth. What is the most appropriate action?