The safest method of changing a patient's tracheotomy ties is to ____

The best way to change tracheotomy ties is to apply the new ones before removing the old ones. This keeps the tracheostomy in place during the process. With this method, a second person is not necessary; besides, a helper might not prevent the patient from coughing out the tracheotomy. Wait two hours after eating to change the ties, to avoid vomiting from stimulating the gag reflex. Asking the doctor to suture the tracheotomy in place is not appropriate.