Basic Nursing Skills 12 Flashcards
6 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 6 Basic Nursing Skills 12 flashcards as text
A patient with a colostomy tells the CNA the pouch is leaking. The CNA should FIRST:
Answer: Report the leak to the charge nurse and assist with pouch change per care plan
A leaking colostomy pouch exposes skin to stool, causing chemical skin irritation. The nurse must be notified so a pouch change can be initiated per the individualized ostomy care plan.
Normal-appearing colostomy stoma output should be:
Answer: Moist, pink-red in color, and may vary from liquid to formed depending on location
A healthy stoma is moist and pink-red (similar to mucous membranes); stool consistency depends on the type of colostomy — ascending/transverse produces more liquid stool while descending/sigmoid produces more formed stool.
When performing colostomy care, which action BEST protects the peristomal skin?
Answer: Using a skin barrier wafer cut to fit snugly within 1/8 inch of the stoma
A properly sized skin barrier wafer with a hole cut to leave only 1/8 inch clearance around the stoma protects the surrounding skin from contact with drainage.
A patient with a new colostomy appears embarrassed and refuses to look at the stoma. The CNA should:
Answer: Acknowledge the patient's feelings and provide care without judgment while encouraging gradual acceptance
Body image adjustment after a new colostomy takes time; the CNA provides empathetic, non-judgmental care and encourages gradual patient involvement as the patient becomes ready.
What does the term 'stoma' refer to in the context of ostomy care?
Answer: The opening created surgically in the abdomen to divert intestinal contents to the body surface
A stoma is the surgically created opening in the abdominal wall through which bowel contents exit the body into a collection pouch.
How often should an ostomy pouch typically be emptied to prevent leakage and odor?
Answer: When it is one-third to one-half full
Emptying the pouch when it reaches one-third to one-half capacity prevents the weight of the contents from breaking the seal and causing a leak.