You are working in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting and…

You are working in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting and are consulted for a patient with a tracheostomy.  The patient is a 24 year old male who was admitted to the hospital following a motor vehicle accident.  He was orally intubated for 10 days, and then underwent a tracheotomy.  As he continues to recover, the medical team wants to initiate trials with a speaking valve.  He currently has a size 6 cuffed, fenestrated trach.   a.) What do you want to check first, before initiation of any occlusion or valve trials?  Why? (2 points)   b.) Once you complete your initial check (from part a), and you determine the patient is a candidate for a speaking valve, what is your next step? (1 points)   c.) You place the speaking valve and the patient is able to achieve voice and verbal communication.  Is your intervention with this patient complete at this point? Why or why not?  (2 points)

Your patient is a 36 year old female who works as an element…

Your patient is a 36 year old female who works as an elementary school teacher and has 3 school-aged children.  She is a non-smoker, occasionally drinks alcohol, and does not have a history of heart burn (reflux).  About 2 weeks ago she began to notice gradual changes in her voice.   a.) Based on the patient’s history, list 2 disorders that would be on your differential list. (2 points)     b.) Assume you take an eclectic approach to management.  What might that include? (2 points)