Use of a heat and moisture exchanger is beneficial to a patient with a(n):

a. tracheostomy who is receiving low-flow oxygen.
b. tracheostomy who is receiving room air.
c. open stoma.
d. All of the above.

ANS: D
Patients who no longer need an artificial airway—but who breathe through an open sto-ma—might benefit from heat and moisture exchangers. Heat and moisture exchangers have been developed for use in patients with tracheostomies who no longer require mechanical ventilation; these patients use only room air or low-flow oxygen.