[Nursing care of patients fitted with a tracheostomy speaking valve].

As the number of patients who are ventilator dependent increase, the tracheostomy has become an increasingly popular procedure. Inability to either communicate verbally or take food and liquids orally constitute the main distress symptom of patients, which can delay progress in treating the conditions of patients undergoing tracheostomies. Passy-Muir speaking valves (PMV) succeed in overcoming the abovementioned problems and clinical practice is gradually broadening. This article introduces the relevant underlying principles, indications, advantages, disadvantages and nursing principles of PMV. We hope this article can provide new information related to the PMV speaking valve and, as a result, help improve patient's security and medical quality.

[Nursing care in the conduct of alveolar lavage].

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease reported to affect adults between the ages of 20 and 50, in a male:female ratio of 2-3:1. Alveolar lavage is the most effective proven treatment. This article introduces PAP, alveolar lavage and nursing intervention in preparation, during, and after the procedure, and home care. We hope this article can provide new information on the nursing care necessary for patients with PAP.