A total proctocolectomy with a permanent ileostomy is performed for a patient with ulcerative colitis. The patient is very upset and tells the nurse, "I can not bear to even look at the stoma. I do not think I can manage all these changes." The nurse's best approach to the patient's remarks is to

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A visitor from an ostomy support group who has had similar experiences may be helpful to the patient. In the response beginning, "reassure the patient," the nurse does not acknowledge the patient's feelings. The response beginning "develop a detailed written plan" also fails to acknowledge the patient's emotional response to the ostomy. The nurse should act to assist the patient with body image changes, not just wait for the patient to adjust as in the remaining response.

A Total Proctocolectomy with a Permanent Ileostomy Is Performed for a Patient