A newborn had a bowel resection with temporary colostomy for Hirschsprung's disease. The nurse should alert the health care provider (HCP) for which assessment finding postoperatively?

Question

A newborn had a bowel resection with temporary colostomy for Hirschsprung's disease.  The nurse should alert the health care provider (HCP) for which assessment finding postoperatively?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_caa5_d9ce_b433_cf82020fcf0a_MD0009_00 In Hirschsprung's disease, a portion of the colon has no innervation and must be removed. Some children require a temporary colostomy. The stoma created from the surgery should remain beefy red in the immediate postoperative period. Any paleness or graying of the stoma indicates decreased blood supply to that area. (Option A) Due to irritation of the intestinal mucosa during surgery, blood-tinged mucus would be expected the first few days after surgery. (Option B) By postoperative day 6, stool would be expected from the colostomy as part of the fluid-absorbing portion of the large intestine has been removed. (Option C) It is not uncommon for a stoma to bleed a small amount with manipulation in the postoperative period. Educational objective: The colostomy stoma should be beefy red in the immediate postoperative period. Any discoloration to the stoma could indicate decreased blood supply to the area; the nurse should notify the HCP.

A Newborn Had a Bowel Resection with Temporary Colostomy for Hirschsprung's