Nursing of elderly patients with severe brain injury after tracheotomy

Objective To discuss and summarize nursing measures of elderly patients with severe brain injury after tracheotomy. Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out in 60 elderly patients with severe traumatic brain injury after tracheotomy in our hospital from July, 2009 to August, 2010, all patients were given holistic nursing care, including close observation of patients' condition, controlling the suction time, methods and techniques, strict aseptic technique, to effectively prevent infection. Results In the implementation of the patient-centered holistic care, the results were significant, 49 cases survived the acute phase and finally removed tracheal tube. Only 5 patients had pulmonary infection, accounting for 8.3%. 3 patients died due to brain injury and 5 cases were discharged against advice, 3 patients did not gain extubation due to severe brain stem injury. Conclusions The patients with severe head injury need tracheotomy to maintain airway patency, timely call-back, suction, effective airway humidification, prevention of pulmonary infection, reduction of respiratory tract injury is key to successful treatment. The patientcentered holistic care is worthy of wide clinical application. Key words: Severe brain injury;  Tracheotomy;  Care