Question

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a colostomy. When assessing the color of the stoma, which color indicates the stoma is healthy? Select all that apply.

Answer 1

A healthy stoma should appear pink to red in color, indicating good blood supply and proper function. Pale, bluish, or dark colors could suggest health issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

The color of a stoma indicates its health status, and when assessing a patient with a colostomy, certain colors are considered healthy indicators. A healthy stoma typically has a pink to red color, similar to the inside of the mouth's lining. This appropriate color suggests a good blood supply, which is necessary for the stoma's proper function. In contrast, colors such as pale, bluish, or dark purple to black might indicate issues such as poor blood supply or necrosis. Therefore, when monitoring stoma health, nurses should look for a vibrant pink to red color, which supports the indication of a healthy stoma.