Question

1.Conduct online research on disease conditions that cause a tracheal shift. Write three paragraphs. Include conditions that cause tracheal shift, safety concerns and nurse's role based on your research. Include a reference page and cited your resources.

Answer 1

CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE TRACHEAL SHIFT

• Deviated towards diseased side

  • Atelectasis

  • Agenesis of lung

  • Pneumonectomy

  • Pleural fibrosis

• Deviated away from diseased side

  • Pneumothorax

  • Pleural effusion

  • Large mass

• Mediastinal masses

• Tracheal masses

• Kyphoscoliosis

SAFETY CONCERNS

• Patients with tracheal deviation are at risk of complete airway obstruction.
• Oral or nasal intubation will be difficult in these patients.
• Tracheal deviation often require chest decompression with chest tube. Chest tube related complications are safety concerns.
• Sudden respiratory arrest is a safety concern.

NURSES ROLE

• Position the patient in such a way that the effect of shift is minimum on the respiratory efforts
• Keep monitoring the patients blood oxygen saturation
• Closely monitor the chest tube if placed.
• Keep ready the articles/instruments for difficult intubation
• Educate the patient about breathing and coughing exercises
• Watch for Complications of tracheal shift like Excessivecoughing,trouble breathing,wheezing or other unusual breathing noises,pain in your chest.