The nurse on the oncology unit is assisting with orientation of a new employee. Which action by the new employee during performance of the tracheostomy care warrants intervention by the nurse? A. Suctioning the tracheostomy prior to beginning the procedure B. Applying sterile gloves to perform the procedure C. Removing tracheostomy ties and then applying new ones D. Cleansing with \(\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_2\) and then normal saline

Oncology nursing is a specialized field of nursing dedicated to caring for patients with cancer. It encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from administering chemotherapy to managing symptoms related to cancer or its treatment. One of the most critical aspects of oncology nursing is the precise care and attention required when performing procedures such as tracheostomy care.

In the oncology setting, tracheostomy care must be conducted with an understanding of the patient's overall treatment plan and sensitivity to the physical and emotional hardships they may be experiencing. When assisting with the orientation of a new employee, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of maintaining sterile techniques, as these patients are often immunocompromised due to their cancer treatment. Therefore, actions like suctioning the tracheostomy and applying sterile gloves are standard procedures and should be taught accordingly.

Clinical nursing procedures are fundamental to patient care and include a wide range of activities—from basic care to complex interventions. The performance of these procedures must adhere to specific protocols to ensure patient safety.

For example, when providing tracheostomy care, nurses must use aseptic techniques to avoid infections, implement proper suctioning to maintain a patent airway, and carefully manage tracheostomy ties to prevent accidental decannulation. A new employee must be trained on these specific steps and the rationale behind each one, especially the importance of securing the tracheostomy tube before changing the ties, which is crucial to avoid risk to the patient.

Patient safety is the cornerstone of nursing care and extends through every interaction nurses have with their patients. In the context of tracheostomy care, ensuring patient safety involves a series of diligent measures such as pre-procedural suctioning, use of sterile equipment, and the correct sequence of steps during the procedure.

An intervention is necessary if a nursing staff member performs actions that compromise patient safety, such as removing tracheostomy ties without securing the tube. This potential for accidental decannulation poses a direct threat to the patient's wellbeing and illustrates the need for continuous education and observation in clinical nursing settings. Patient safety protocols should be reviewed regularly, and their importance stressed during the training of new personnel to encourage adherence to best practices.