Final answer:
A beefy, red, and swollen new colostomy stoma with intact surrounding skin is more likely indicative of normal healing, not an infection, maceration, or issues with the tightness of the ostomy appliance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse assesses a new colostomy stoma and finds it to be beefy, red, and swollen with the surrounding skin appearing intact, the conclusions likely are that the site is healing appropriately. This appearance can be a normal part of the healing process after a colostomy procedure. If the stoma were exhibiting signs of infection, such as increased tenderness, warmth beyond the immediate area of the stoma, or purulent discharge, or if the patient were exhibiting systemic symptoms like fever, those would be more indicative of an infection. Additionally, the complication of maceration would typically involve a breakdown of the skin from prolonged exposure to moisture, which is not mentioned here. And if the ostomy wafer and pouch were too tight, the surrounding skin would likely show signs of pressure or constriction, such as blanching or irritation.