Ostomy Management Flashcards

Pre-operative stoma site marking is performed by the WOC nurse to:

Answer: Identify an optimal site avoiding bony prominences, skin folds, scars, and the belt line

Optimal stoma site marking identifies a flat, visible location away from bony prominences, skin creases, scars, and waistbands to ensure a good pouching seal and patient self-care ability.

A urostomy (ileal conduit) patient is at increased risk for which long-term complication?

Answer: Urinary tract infections and ureteral strictures

Urostomy patients are at ongoing risk for ascending urinary tract infections and ureteral stricture at the conduit anastomosis due to urinary reflux and altered anatomy.

The recommended frequency for routine pouch change in a stable ostomy patient is:

Answer: Every 3–7 days based on pouching system manufacturer guidelines

Most ostomy pouching systems are designed for 3–7 days of wear, and changing within this window maintains peristomal skin integrity and prevents premature adhesive failure.

Parastomal hernia management includes all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Immediate surgical repair in all asymptomatic cases

Asymptomatic parastomal hernias are managed conservatively with support garments and activity modification; surgical repair is reserved for symptomatic, complicated, or enlarging hernias.

Convex pouching systems are indicated for patients with:

Answer: Retracted or flush stomas and peristomal skin folds causing leakage

Convexity presses inward on the peristomal skin to push a retracted or flush stoma outward, improving the seal and reducing leakage in patients with folds or depressions.

Which dietary recommendation is most important for a new ileostomy patient to prevent dehydration?

Answer: Increase fluid and electrolyte intake, especially sodium, to compensate for output losses

Ileostomy patients lose large volumes of fluid and sodium-rich output, making increased fluid and electrolyte intake—especially sodium and potassium—essential to prevent dehydration.