Question

A nurse is talking with a patient who is scheduled to have a hemicolectomy with the creation of a colostomy. The patient admits to being anxious and has many questions concerning the surgery, the care of a stoma, and necessary lifestyle changes. Which of the following nursing actions is most appropriate?

A. Reassure the patient that the procedure is relatively low risk and that patients are usually successful in adjusting to an ostomy.
B. Provide the patient with educational materials that match the patients learning style.
C. Encourage the patient to write down these concerns and questions to bring forward to the surgeon.
D. Maintain an open dialogue with the patient and facilitate a referral to the wound-ostomycontinence (WOC) nurse.

Answer 1

The most fitting nursing action is to maintain an open dialogue with the patient and refer them to a wound-ostomy-continence (WOC) nurse for specialized care and education regarding their upcoming surgery and lifestyle changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Regarding the scenario where a patient is preparing for a hemicolectomy with the creation of a colostomy and is anxious with many questions, the most appropriate nursing action would be to maintain an open dialogue with the patient and facilitate a referral to the wound-ostomy-continence (WOC) nurse. This approach not only addresses the immediate concerns but also provides the patient with professional guidance and practical information about postoperative care and lifestyle adjustments from a specialized nurse.

While providing educational materials tailored to the patient's learning style and encouraging them to write down concerns for the surgeon are also beneficial steps, they are supplementary to the direct support and expertise a WOC nurse can offer. A WOC nurse's involvement can be critical, as they can help with both the psychological and physical aspects of the patient's post-surgical journey, ensuring a better overall outcome for the patient.

Moreover, it's important to acknowledge the patient's anxieties rather than just reassuring them of the low risk of the procedure, as building trust and providing comprehensive support are essential components of preoperative care.