When weaning the client from the tracheostomy tube. the nurse initially should plug the opening in the tube for? A female adult client has a tracheostomy but doesn’t require continuous mechanical ventilation.

5 to 20 minutes.

Initially. the nurse should plug the opening in the tracheostomy tube for 5 to 20 minutes. then gradually lengthen this interval according to the clients respiratory status. A client who doesnt require continuous mechanical ventilation already is breathing without assistance. at least for short periods; therefore. plugging the opening of the tube for only 15 to 60 seconds wouldnt be long enough to reveal the clients true tolerance to the procedure. Plugging the opening for more than 20 minutes would increase the risk of acute respiratory distress because the client requires an adjustment period to start breathing normally.