Respiratory Therapist

Answers: A, B and C-Patients who are medically unstable, have an inflated tracheostomy tube cuff, or are at high risk for aspirations are contraindicated for using of a Passy-Muir speaking valve.

Patients who are considered medically unstable are not recommended to use the device as the patient should be awake and responsive to stimulation. This valve is not recommended to use on patients with a high risk for aspiration or with a still inflated tracheostomy tube cuff. While patients with a high risk for aspiration and a still inflated tube cuff go hand in hand, they are both contraindications. An inflated cuff is needed to prevent aspiration from entering the lungs but if the cuff is inflated, the patient is unable to exhale or breathe using a Passy-Muir valve.