Some nursing home residents require breathing tubes (also known as endotracheal tubes) to assist with their breathing. Many residents that use breathing tubes also use ventilators. These tubes allow nursing home staff members to remove mucous from the resident’s lungs.
Residents who use breathing tubes are forced to rely on the nursing home staff for all of their needs. A resident with a breathing tube is unable to speak because the tube is inserted into the resident’s throat and past the vocal cords. Likewise they are unable to eat or drink by mouth since that would create a choking hazard. As a result, residents dependent upon breathing tubes must be fed through an IV or a feeding tube that is inserted directly into the stomach. When compared to residents who can breathe on their own and feed themselves, residents using breathing tubes or who are ventilator dependent are totally dependent upon nursing home staff members for their very life. As a result, nursing home employees must be extra vigilant in the care they provide to these residents.
Nursing homes are supposed to keep breathing tubes clean and in working order for those residents who require devices to assist with their breathing. This not only requires additional monitoring of the resident, it requires skill and proper training. Failure to monitor or maintain the breathing tube can result in a clog that impedes the resident’s breathing. When this happens, the brain is deprived of oxygen and severe injuries may occur, including death.
We can help if your loved one has suffered injuries from a clogged breathing tube in a nursing home
Our attorneys have been successful in resolving cases where nursing homes have caused our clients and their family’s serious injuries. If a family member or loved one has suffered from injury or death because of a clogged breathing tube while under the care of a Maryland nursing home, contact Nursing Home Justice Associates at 1-410-825-ABUSE (2287) to learn more about your legal rights.
Nursing Home Justice…..It’s What We Do.
Other Injuries Suffered By Nursing Home Residents:
Bed Sores, Pressure Sores, Decubitus Ulcer
Burns
Choking
Clogged Breathing Tubes
Falls
Malnutrition & Dehydration
Medication Errors
Physical Abuse
Restraints & Bedrails
Sepsis/Infection
Sexual Abuse
Wandering & Elopement