Contemporary issues in adult tracheostomy management.

Airway assessment and management is one of the primary responsibilities of nurses caring for the critically ill adult. Common types of artificial airways, such as endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes, require clinicians to have a complete understanding of indications, complications, and clinical applications. Although tracheostomy tubes are used to a lesser extent than endotracheal tubes in most ICUs, their use typically requires additional education and training because of the complexity and diversity of available tubes, care of surgical site, and other related nursing care issues.