A patient returns from bowel cancer surgery with a new ileostomy. The stoma appears dusky and cool rather than moist and pink. What should the nurse do?

Correct answer: C. Report the finding immediately for assessment of impaired blood supply

  • A. Record the appearance as normal during the first week
  • B. Apply a tight pouch to force the stoma outward
  • C. Report the finding immediately for assessment of impaired blood supply
  • D. Give a laxative to increase the stoma output

Explanation

A healthy new stoma is usually moist and pink to red, reflecting adequate perfusion. A dusky, cool stoma may indicate ischaemia or necrosis and requires immediate surgical assessment; a tight pouch or laxative will not correct the cause.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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