Basic Nursing Skills 12 Flashcards

When removing an old ostomy skin barrier wafer, the CNA should:

Answer: Gently peel the wafer while pressing the skin down to reduce pulling and trauma

Gently peeling the wafer while pressing adjacent skin away from it prevents skin tears, especially in elderly patients with fragile skin.

After removing an ostomy appliance, the CNA should clean the stoma and surrounding skin by:

Answer: Washing gently with mild soap and warm water, then rinsing and patting dry

Mild soap and warm water gently clean without damaging the stoma or peristomal skin; the skin must be completely dry before applying the new skin barrier.

A colostomy patient is concerned about odor. What advice should the CNA give?

Answer: Suggest that certain foods (beans, cabbage) can increase odor while yogurt and parsley may reduce it

Dietary choices directly affect ostomy odor; gas-producing foods increase odor while certain foods like yogurt and parsley are known to help neutralize it.

When would a CNA report a change in stoma color to the nurse?

Answer: Whenever the stoma appears dark blue, purple, or black

Dark blue, purple, or black coloration indicates compromised blood flow to the stoma and is a medical emergency requiring immediate nursing and surgical assessment.

What is the PRIMARY difference between a colostomy and an ileostomy?

Answer: A colostomy diverts the colon; an ileostomy diverts the small intestine (ileum)

The key anatomical distinction is location: a colostomy uses the large intestine (colon) while an ileostomy uses the terminal ileum (small intestine), which produces more liquid, high-enzyme output.

What should the CNA document after performing colostomy care?

Answer: The time, appearance of the stoma, skin condition, output color, consistency, and amount

Complete documentation includes stoma appearance, skin condition, and output characteristics because these baseline findings allow early detection of complications across shifts.