The nurse is instructing a client on ostomy care. What should be inclu

The nurse is instructing a client on ostomy care. What should be included in this teaching?

1. Change the drainage pouch daily.
2. Clothing of a special style will be needed now that a pouch is worn.
3. Stick a pin into the drainage pouch to relieve any gas buildup.
4. Secure the faceplate to the drainage pouch so no skin around the stoma is exposed.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: The drainage pouches are expensive, and they can be used for up to a week before being changed. Just daily rinsing and cleaning is necessary.
Rationale 2: No special clothing has to be worn with a colostomy pouch. The client can wear the same clothes he or she wore prior to the surgery.
Rationale 3: If a pin is stuck into the pouch, a hole will be left and it will cause leakage, which is not recommended.
Rationale 4: The skin around a stoma is very susceptible to irritation and breakdown. To avoid skin irritation, the faceplate to the drainage pouch needs to fit close enough to the stoma so as not to expose any other skin.