CNA Bowel and Ostomy Care

Question 1

What is a colostomy?

Accepted Answer

A surgically created opening in the colon that allows stool to exit through the abdominal wall

Answer

A surgical opening in the stomach for feeding

Answer

A device inserted to relieve constipation

Answer

A tube placed in the rectum for enemas

Question 2

What is an ileostomy?

Accepted Answer

A surgically created opening in the ileum (small intestine) that allows liquid stool to exit the abdomen

Answer

A surgically created opening in the large intestine

Answer

A catheter for urinary drainage

Answer

A feeding tube placed in the stomach

Question 3

A healthy stoma should appear:

Accepted Answer

Bright red or pink, moist, and slightly raised above the skin

Answer

Pale, dry, and flat against the abdomen

Answer

Dark purple or black

Answer

Sunken into the abdominal skin

Question 4

Which observation of a stoma requires IMMEDIATE reporting?

Accepted Answer

The stoma is dark purple or black

Answer

The stoma is pink and moist

Answer

Output from the stoma is present

Answer

The stoma protrudes slightly above skin level

Question 5

The skin around the stoma is called the:

Accepted Answer

Peristomal skin

Answer

Mucocutaneous junction

Answer

Abdominal fascia

Answer

Peritoneal wall

Question 6

Why is it especially important to protect the peristomal skin of an ileostomy?

Accepted Answer

Because ileostomy output contains active digestive enzymes that rapidly damage skin

Answer

Because the output is solid and dry

Answer

Because the stoma is located near a joint

Answer

Because ileostomy stomas are always infected

Question 7

When should a CNA change an ostomy pouch?

Accepted Answer

When it is one-third to one-half full, or when there is a leak

Answer

Every hour to prevent leakage

Answer

Only when the nurse directs them to

Answer

At the same time every day regardless of fill level

Question 8

The CORRECT technique when removing an ostomy barrier (wafer) is to:

Accepted Answer

Gently peel it away from skin while supporting surrounding skin to prevent tearing

Answer

Pull it off quickly to minimize discomfort

Answer

Soak the wafer in water first, then scrub it off

Answer

Use scissors to cut it away from the skin

Question 9

When cleaning a stoma during a pouch change, the CNA should use:

Accepted Answer

Mild soap or prescribed skin cleanser and warm water, then dry thoroughly

Answer

Alcohol wipes to disinfect the area

Answer

Hydrogen peroxide to clean around the stoma

Answer

Antiseptic solution poured directly on the stoma

Question 10

It is normal for the stoma to bleed slightly when cleaned because:

Accepted Answer

The stoma tissue has many blood vessels near the surface and is similar to mucous membrane

Answer

It indicates an infection

Answer

The resident has a clotting disorder

Answer

Cleaning should be stopped immediately