A 32-year-old patient experiences an intestinal perforation and requires emergency surgery. The surgeon first meets the patient just before anesthesia is to be given and explains that peritonitis and intestinal inflammation may make a colostomy necessary. The patient is still quite groggy when stepped down to a postoperative unit and does not yet know that he has a colostomy. Which initial response(s) should his nurse anticipate when the patient discovers that this procedure has been necessary?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is likely to experience distress about body image changes (A), concerns about lifestyle adjustments (C), anger about the situation (D), and depression due to perceived losses (E). These are common emotional responses to unexpected and significant changes in health and body function.

A 32-Year-Old Patient Experiences an Intestinal Perforation and Requires Emergency