A nurse is caring for a client 24 hours after an ostomy has been created for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. The nurse determines that the following actions are appropriate except:
A)Administer Demerol 50 mg IM
B)Place petrolatum gauze over the stoma
C)Irrigate the colostomy
D)Notify the physician with the occurrence of purple-black stoma

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A colostomy begins to function between three and six days after the surgery; therefore, colostomy irrigation is not appropriate at this time. Irrigation stimulates bowel emptying. Administration of pain medications and application of petrolatum gauze over the stoma are appropriate nursing actions. A pink to red and moist stoma indicates good circulation, whereas, a dusky, purplish stoma indicates inadequate blood supply to the stoma. A brown to black and dry stoma is indicative of necrosis.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Client 24 Hours After