The nurse caring for the patient who is immediately postoperative with a new ileostomy.Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement at this time?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Helping the patient adjust to the new ostomy is one of the highest priorities in the immediate postoperative period.In the immediate postoperative period,the pouch should not be changed any more than is necessary to avoid trauma to the skin.A stool softener is not indicated since stools are usually softer and more watery when coming from a stoma.Diet advancement is a gradual process that must coordinate with returning bowel function,and the patient may be NPO for a short time while bowl motility returns.

The Nurse Caring for the Patient Who Is Immediately Postoperative