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 colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a stoma (opening) in the colon on the abdominal wall, through which feces are expelled into an external pouching system.

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

An ileostomy is a surgical opening in the ileum (end of the small intestine). Output is liquid to semi-liquid and contains digestive enzymes that are very irritating to skin.

Question 3

A healthy stoma should appear:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

A normal stoma is pink to red, moist, and protrudes slightly above the abdominal surface. Discoloration (purple, black, or very pale) or retraction indicates problems requiring immediate nurse notification.

Question 4

Which observation of a stoma requires IMMEDIATE reporting?

Accepted Answer

The stoma is dark purple or black

Answer

Dark purple or black color indicates the stoma may be losing its blood supply (ischemia or necrosis). This is a surgical emergency and must be reported to the nurse immediately.

Question 5

The skin around the stoma is called the:

Accepted Answer

Peristomal skin

Answer

Peristomal skin is the skin surrounding the stoma. It must be kept clean, dry, and protected from effluent because continuous contact with stool or urine causes severe skin breakdown.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Bowel and Ostomy Care