Final answer:
The client with a new ileostomy should expect the output to be liquid to semi-liquid. Proper management using an adhesive appliance is necessary for collection, and diet can affect the consistency of the output. Early output might also contain mucus as the body adjusts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse caring for a client with an ileoostomy that was created 5 days ago should educate the client to anticipate a specific type of ostomy output. After an ileostomy procedure, where the distal ileum is brought through the abdominal wall, the output will typically be liquid to semi-liquid. This is because the effluent (output) bypasses the large intestine where water is usually absorbed. As a result, the client should expect the ostomy output to be more watery and less formed than normal stools. Since the ileostomy is relatively new, the output at this stage might also contain some mucus, which is normal as the body adjusts to the ileostomy.
It is important for the client to properly manage their ileostomy by using a bag-like adhesive appliance to collect the output, which is often referred to as chyme. Teaching the client how to care for the stoma site and manage the appliance effectively is crucial for preventing potential complications such as skin irritation or infection. The nurse should also inform the client that over time, the consistency of the output may thicken slightly but will generally remain less solid than that of someone without an ileostomy. Clients should also be aware that certain foods may influence the consistency of their output and that they should monitor their diet accordingly.