Question

The nurse is assessing the colostomy of a client who has had an abdominal perineal resection for a bowel tumor. Which assessment finding indicates that the colostomy is beginning to function?

a) Absence of drainage from the stoma.
b) Redness and swelling around the stoma.
c) Dark and foul-smelling drainage from the stoma.
d) Continuous bleeding from the stoma site.

Answer 1

The presence of dark and foul-smelling drainage from the stoma indicates that the colostomy is beginning to function after an abdominal perineal resection for a bowel tumor.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a client with a colostomy after an abdominal perineal resection for a bowel tumor, the indication that the colostomy is beginning to function is the presence of stool output from the stoma, which might range in consistency depending on the location of the colostomy. The correct assessment finding for a functioning colostomy would be the presence of stool, which may be described as dark and not overly foul-smelling, as the fecal matter begins to pass through the colon. Therefore, the correct answer to the question on what indicates that the colostomy is beginning to function would be "c) Dark and foul-smelling drainage from the stoma."

Absence of drainage from the stoma could indicate a blockage or that it has not started functioning yet. Redness and swelling could point to infection or irritation, and continuous bleeding might suggest a complication such as a damaged blood vessel or poor stoma site healing. These symptoms can be concerning and may require medical attention.