Final answer:
The nurse is aware that fecal drainage from a newly created ileostomy will be liquid because the ileum doesn't absorb water as the large intestine does, and the waste will be collected in a specialized appliance attached to the stoma.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse prepares to assist with a newly created ileostomy, it is crucial to understand that fecal drainage will be liquid in form. An ileostomy is a surgical opening constructed by bringing the end of the small intestine, known as the ileum, through an opening in the abdomen.
This provides an alternative pathway for waste elimination when the large intestine is not in use, often due to medical conditions that necessitate its removal or bypass. Unlike the large intestine, which normally absorbs most of the water from waste material, the ileum does not serve this function; as a result, the output from an ileostomy is generally more liquid than regular stool. The drainage will be collected in a bag-like adhesive appliance, which is attached to the skin around the stoma.
It is essential for healthcare professionals, such as the nurse in this scenario, to be aware of the consistency of the drainage when providing care and guidance for patients with an ileostomy, including the selection and management of suitable ileostomy bags and skin care protocols to prevent irritation around the stoma.