The best way to maintain airway patency in the patient with a tracheostomy is to take in enough fluid to make airway secretions thin and easy to clear to prevent obstruction. Collared shirts that loosely cover the stoma will prevent foreign objects from entering the stoma. Roll-on deodorant is important to prevent entry of aerosols directly into the stoma, but does not necessarily maintain a patent airway. Oral care, while important, does not necessarily prevent airway obstruction.