Question

A nurse in a long term care facility is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has a new ostomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan include? -Empty the pouch when it is three-fourths full. -Change the appliance two times each week. -Cleanse the stoma with hydrogen peroxide solution. -Irrigate the pouch every 3 days with 250 mL of cold tap water.

Answer 1

For effective ostomy care, a nurse should empty the pouch when it's three-fourths full, change the appliance once a week, avoid using harsh substances to clean the stoma and monitor for signs of infection or skin irritation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is contributing to the care plan for a client with a new ostomy, there are certain key actions to make a note of for effective stoma care. Firstly, the nurse should ensure to empty the ostomy pouch when it is approximately three-fourths full. Keeping the pouch from overfilling can help avoid leaks and skin irritation. Furthermore, it is recommended to change the appliance around once a week, but this can vary depending on the person and type of ostomy. Twice a week might be too frequent and can cause unnecessary skin irritation.

It is crucial to avoid cleansing the stoma with abrasive substances such as hydrogen peroxide, as it can cause irritation and damage the skin surrounding the stoma. Instead, use warm water and a soft washcloth. Ostomy pouches typically don't need to be irrigated, and introducing cold tap water can cause discomfort or cramping. The care plan should also include monitoring for signs of infection or skin damage around the ostomy site.

Learn more about Ostomy Care