During the immediate postoperative period after a colostomy, which stoma appearance requires the nurse to contact the health care provider (HCP) immediately?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) in the abdominal wall for the passage of stool to bypass an obstructed or diseased portion of the colon. The stoma should be pink to brick red, indicating vascularity and viability (Option A). Minor bleeding and oozing may occur (Option C), and mild to moderate swelling is normal for 2-3 weeks after surgery. In the immediate postoperative period, stool will be absent. If the bowel is cleansed prior to surgery, the draining of stool will be delayed by several days. Otherwise, stool appears when peristalsis resumes (Option D). (Option B) Inadequate blood supply can cause a change in the stoma color. Indications of poor vascularity include pale, dusky, or cyanotic color changes, any of which requires immediate notification of the HCP and surgical intervention to prevent ischemia and necrosis. Educational objective: A healthy stoma has the characteristics of mucosal tissue and should appear vascular and moist. Indications of decreased blood supply (pale, dusky, or cyanotic) should be reported to the HCP immediately.

During the Immediate Postoperative Period After a Colostomy, Which Stoma