Bowel and Ostomy Care Flashcards
7 cards from real CNA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Bowel and Ostomy Care flashcards as text
A resident with an ostomy wants to shower. The CNA should advise that:
Answer: Showering with or without the pouch in place is generally acceptable per the care plan
Most residents with ostomies can shower with the pouch on or off; water does not harm the stoma.
When documenting ostomy care, which information is MOST important for the CNA to record?
Answer: Stoma color, skin condition, output color and consistency, and amount
Accurate documentation of stoma appearance, skin integrity, and output characteristics provides essential data for clinical decision-making.
A resident with a new ostomy refuses to participate in any self-care. The CNA's BEST approach is to:
Answer: Provide care without pressure while involving the resident in small steps as tolerated
Gradual involvement respects the resident's adjustment timeline while building confidence toward independence in ostomy self-care.
Which resident statement indicates the need for further ostomy education?
Answer: "I should take my pouch off every day and leave the stoma open to air."
Leaving the stoma uncovered exposes it to contamination and injury; pouches should remain in place except during planned changes.
When caring for a resident's colostomy, the CNA notes the surrounding skin is red, raw, and moist. The CNA should:
Answer: Report the skin breakdown to the nurse before applying a new wafer
Peristomal skin breakdown requires nurse assessment before continuing, as the product or technique may need to change to allow healing.
A resident with a two-piece ostomy system has a pouch that snaps onto a wafer. The wafer is typically changed every:
Answer: 3 to 5 days or per manufacturer and care plan instructions
Two-piece wafers are typically changed every 3–5 days, with the pouch emptied or replaced more frequently as needed.
Which position is BEST for a resident during ostomy pouch change to improve visualization and access?
Answer: Supine (lying flat on the back)
The supine position flattens abdominal skin folds and provides the best access and visualization for ostomy appliance changes.