Question

The CNA is asked to assist a resident with his ostomy care. The colostomy bag has stool in it and needs to be tempted. How does the CNA help dispose of the stool?

Answer 1

CNAs help dispose of stool from a colostomy bag by donning gloves, carefully emptying the bag's contents into the toilet, cleansing the pouch, and resealing it. Some pouches may be disposable and are replaced after use. Adhering to infection control practices is essential.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assisting a resident with ostomy care, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is responsible for properly disposing of stool from a colostomy bag. The CNA should first don gloves to maintain hygiene and infection control. The pouch is then carefully unsealed at the bottom and its contents emptied into a toilet. After this, the pouch should be cleansed with water, wiped, and resealed. Some ostomy bags are single-use and can be replaced with a new one after disposal. It is important to be cautious during the emptying process to prevent spillage and contamination.

For residents with an ileostomy, where the distal ileum is brought through the abdominal wall, similar steps for emptying the bag are followed. This procedure is important to ensure the comfort and health of the resident, as well as to prevent infections or complications related to the ostomy. In all cases, following proper infection control and disposal guidelines is crucial for CNA's responsibilities in ostomy care.