A post-insertion protocol for management of the Olympic Tracheostomy Button in neurosurgical patients

This article describes and suggests a protocol for the monitoring and management of problems relating to the use of the Olympic Tracheostomy button with special emphasis on the needs of neurosurgical patients. A description of the Olympic Tracheostomy button is accompanied by a systematic checklist for nursing care supplemented by supporting rationale. The existence and availability of such a protocol for this patient group should focus the concern of all nursing personnel in a unified and orderly manner and heighten the index of suspicion for problems which may be subtle but potentially life-threatening.