Ostomy Care: Assessment and Management for Nurses

Question 1

Which type of ostomy is the most frequently performed?

Accepted Answer

Colostomy

Answer

Ileostomy

Answer

Urostomy

Answer

Gastrostomy

Question 2

When selecting an ostomy appliance, the primary consideration is:

Accepted Answer

Stoma size and shape

Answer

Patient's skin health

Answer

Patient's desired level of discretion

Answer

Frequency of bowel movements

Question 3

For a patient with a recent ileostomy experiencing frequent loose stools, which ostomy appliance would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

One-piece ileostomy bag with a filter

Answer

Two-piece urostomy bag with a drainable pouch

Answer

Closed colostomy bag with a convex barrier

Answer

Open colostomy bag with an odor-proof filter

Question 4

A patient with a new ileostomy reports a problem with peristomal leakage. What should the nurse do first?

Accepted Answer

Inspect the stoma and surrounding skin

Answer

Replace the ostomy appliance

Answer

Evaluate the patient's diet

Answer

Administer antidiarrheal medication

Question 5

What is a common reason for creating a urostomy through surgery?

Accepted Answer

Bladder cancer

Answer

Colorectal cancer

Answer

Pancreatitis

Question 6

Which of the following is a potential long-term complication specifically associated with ostomies?

Accepted Answer

Stenosis

Answer

Skin irritation

Answer

Dehydration

Answer

Urinary tract infection

Question 7

Which type of ostomy appliance is optimal for patients with high-output ileal or jejunal contents?

Accepted Answer

Two-piece drainable pouch

Answer

One-piece closed pouch

Answer

Urostomy pouch

Answer

Continent ostomy appliance

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of assessing the patient's stoma and surrounding skin?

Accepted Answer

To identify potential complications

Answer

To determine the size of the necessary ostomy appliance

Answer

To educate the patient on proper stoma care

Answer

To evaluate the patient's nutritional status

Question 9

According to standard ostomy care guidelines, what is the recommended minimum frequency for changing an ostomy pouch?

Accepted Answer

Every 2-3 days

Answer

Daily

Answer

Weekly

Answer

Monthly

Question 10

Which type of ostomy typically results in solid stool?

Accepted Answer

Colostomy

Answer

Ileostomy

Answer

Urostomy

Question 11

A patient with a new colostomy has a stoma that is swollen, dark red, and cold to the touch. What is the nurse's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the doctor right away, as these signs suggest a problem with blood flow.

Answer

Apply a warm compress to the stoma to reduce swelling.

Answer

Irrigate the stoma with saline to remove any blockage.

Answer

Tell the patient that the stoma looks normal and will get better over time.

Question 12

Which of the following is not classified as a type of ostomy?

Accepted Answer

Tracheostomy

Answer

Colostomy

Answer

Ileostomy

Answer

Urostomy

Question 13

Which type of ostomy appliance is typically recommended for liquid or semi-liquid output?

Accepted Answer

Drainable

Answer

One-piece

Answer

Two-piece

Answer

Closed

Question 14

What is the primary goal of patient education in ostomy care?

Accepted Answer

To promote self-sufficiency and independence in ostomy management

Answer

To prevent complications

Answer

To reduce anxiety and promote acceptance

Answer

To improve body image

Question 15

Which ostomy type involves creating a surgical opening in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Ileostomy

Answer

Gastrostomy

Answer

Jejunostomy

Answer

Colostomy

Question 16

What is the most frequent complication encountered in ostomy care?

Accepted Answer

Skin irritation

Answer

Infection

Answer

Prolapse

Answer

Stenosis

Question 17

When assessing an ileostomy, which finding suggests a potential blockage?

Accepted Answer

Increased abdominal distension and decreased stool output

Answer

Excessive drainage from the stoma

Answer

Skin irritation around the stoma

Question 18

What is the primary purpose of an ostomy appliance?

Accepted Answer

To collect and contain ostomy output, thereby protecting the skin and preventing leakage.

Answer

To promote wound healing by providing a moist environment

Answer

To administer medications directly to the stoma

Answer

To prevent skin irritation by absorbing excess moisture

Question 19

Which type of ostomy appliance is most commonly used for ileostomies?

Accepted Answer

Drainable pouch

Answer

Urostomy appliance

Answer

Continent ostomy pouch

Answer

Ileal conduit pouch

Question 20

What is the recommended frequency for changing an ostomy appliance?

Accepted Answer

As needed, typically every 3-7 days

Answer

Every 48 hours, or more frequently if there is leakage

Answer

Every 12 hours, to prevent skin irritation

Answer

Every 24 hours, regardless of appliance fullness

Question 21

Which of the following is an important aspect of patient education for ostomy care?

Accepted Answer

Empowering the patient to manage their ostomy independently, fostering self-care and confidence

Answer

Providing a comprehensive list of medications, including dosages and side effects

Answer

Explaining all potential complications, including rare and unlikely scenarios

Question 22

Which of the following is a common psychological challenge faced by patients with ostomies?

Accepted Answer

Body image issues, as the presence of an ostomy can impact self-perception

Answer

Increased appetite, as ostomies can affect nutrient absorption

Answer

Difficulty sleeping, due to discomfort or anxiety related to the ostomy

Question 23

What is the purpose of using an ostomy deodorant?

Accepted Answer

To neutralize odors associated with ostomy output, maintaining discretion and comfort

Answer

To kill bacteria and prevent infections around the stoma

Answer

To prevent leaks by creating a seal around the appliance

Answer

To absorb moisture and keep the skin dry

Question 24

Which of the following is a characteristic of a healthy stoma?

Accepted Answer

Pink or red in color, indicating adequate blood supply

Answer

Pale or white, suggesting poor circulation

Answer

Blue or green, indicating infection

Answer

Dark purple or black, indicating tissue death

Question 25

What is the recommended fluid intake for patients with ostomies?

Accepted Answer

2-3 liters per day, to prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance

Answer

1-2 liters per day, to avoid excessive fluid intake

Answer

As much as they want, to compensate for fluid lost through the ostomy

Answer

3-4 liters per day, to ensure adequate hydration

Question 26

Which type of ostomy involves the creation of an opening in the small intestine, specifically the ileum?

Accepted Answer

Ileostomy

Answer

Gastrostomy

Answer

Colostomy

Answer

Urostomy

Question 27

What is the ultimate goal of ostomy care?

Accepted Answer

To maintain patient well-being and prevent complications related to the ostomy

Answer

To provide nutritional support

Answer

To achieve surgical closure of the stoma

Question 28

Which type of ostomy appliance is generally used for a colostomy, where stool is typically formed and semi-solid?

Accepted Answer

Closed pouch

Answer

Urostomy bag

Answer

Gastrostomy feeding tube

Answer

Ileostomy pouch

Question 29

Which assessment finding is suggestive of peristomal skin irritation?

Accepted Answer

Redness and itching around the stoma

Answer

Absence of stoma protrusion

Answer

No drainage from the stoma

Answer

Stoma retraction

Question 30

Which nursing action is essential for preventing odor from an ostomy?

Accepted Answer

Emptying the ostomy pouch frequently

Answer

Using a scented ostomy appliance

Answer

Covering the ostomy with a bandage

Answer

Applying deodorant to the stoma

Question 31

A patient with an ileostomy experiences frequent diarrhea. Which nursing intervention is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Increase fluid intake and monitor for signs of dehydration

Answer

Irrigate the stoma

Answer

Reduce dietary fiber

Answer

Administer antidiarrheal medication

Question 32

Which of the following is generally NOT considered a potential psychosocial impact of an ostomy?

Accepted Answer

Improved self-esteem

Answer

Body image concerns

Answer

Difficulty coping with the loss of bowel or urinary function

Answer

Social isolation

Question 33

Which type of ostomy involves the creation of an opening in the small intestine, allowing stool to exit?

Accepted Answer

Ileostomy

Answer

Colostomy

Answer

Urostomy

Question 34

When assessing an ostomy patient, which of the following is the most important observation to prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Skin integrity around the stoma

Answer

Stoma color

Answer

Appliance fit

Answer

Drainage amount

Question 35

Which type of appliance is most appropriate for a patient with a colostomy that produces a large volume of liquid stool?

Accepted Answer

One-piece drainable appliance

Answer

Convex appliance

Answer

Closed pouch

Answer

Two-piece irrigation appliance

Question 36

When providing discharge instructions to a patient with a new ostomy, which of the following is the most critical instruction to convey?

Accepted Answer

Change the appliance regularly and as needed to prevent leakage and skin irritation.

Answer

Clean the skin around the stoma with soap and water.

Answer

Keep the ostomy bag inflated at all times.

Answer

Avoid contact with water during bathing.

Question 37

Which of the following is a potential complication that can occur after ostomy surgery?

Accepted Answer

Parastomal hernia

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Urinary tract infection

Answer

Pneumonia

Question 38

When assessing a patient with a new ileostomy, what type of drainage would indicate a potential problem?

Accepted Answer

Light-colored, watery drainage in large amounts

Answer

Occasional flatus

Answer

Mucous drainage

Answer

Minimal drainage

Question 39

Which of the following nursing interventions is most important for a patient with a new colostomy?

Accepted Answer

Assess for signs of dehydration, as diarrhea can lead to fluid loss.

Answer

Restrict the patient's fluid intake.

Answer

Administer pain medication around the clock.

Answer

Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe.

Question 40

Which type of ostomy appliance adheres directly to the skin and does not require a separate wafer?

Accepted Answer

Adhesive-backed appliance

Answer

Irrigation appliance

Answer

Two-piece appliance

Answer

Flanged appliance

Question 41

When caring for a patient with an ostomy bag that is leaking, the nurse's priority action should be to:

Accepted Answer

Protect the skin around the stoma from further irritation by applying a skin barrier or changing the appliance.

Answer

Apply a new appliance as soon as possible.

Answer

Empty the bag immediately.

Question 42

During an ostomy appliance change, which action is most crucial for protecting the skin around the stoma?

Accepted Answer

Gently cleanse the skin with a mild soap and water.

Answer

Use a large amount of water to rinse the area.

Answer

Remove the old appliance quickly to minimize discomfort.

Answer

Avoid touching the stoma entirely.

Question 43

For patients with a retracted stoma, which type of ostomy appliance is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Convex appliance

Answer

Standard appliance

Answer

Drainable appliance

Answer

Concave appliance

Question 44

What is the primary function of the flange in an ostomy appliance?

Accepted Answer

To adhere securely to the skin and create a barrier against stoma output.

Answer

To absorb moisture from the stoma output.

Answer

To promote healing of the stoma.

Answer

To prevent infection around the stoma.

Question 45

Which assessment finding is a potential sign of a complication after ostomy surgery?

Accepted Answer

Purulent drainage around the stoma, indicating a possible infection.

Answer

Redness surrounding the stoma, which may be a normal reaction to the appliance.

Answer

Increased peristaltic sounds, which are normal after surgery.

Answer

Mild discomfort, which is expected after surgery.

Question 46

When teaching a patient about ostomy care, which of these should be prioritized in the initial education?

Accepted Answer

How to empty and change the ostomy appliance.

Answer

Specific dietary restrictions, which may vary depending on the type of ostomy.

Answer

A detailed overview of different ostomy bags, as this can be overwhelming initially.

Answer

The historical evolution of ostomies, which is not essential for immediate care.

Question 47

For patients with sensitive skin, which type of skin barrier is typically preferred?

Accepted Answer

Hydrocolloid barrier

Answer

Powder barrier, which may not provide sufficient protection against moisture.

Answer

Silicone barrier, which can be more irritating for sensitive skin.

Answer

Foam barrier, which can be bulky and less comfortable.

Question 48

What is the generally recommended frequency for changing an ostomy appliance?

Accepted Answer

Every 2-3 days

Answer

Daily, which may be too frequent unless there are specific needs.

Answer

Weekly, which may not be frequent enough for optimal skin protection.

Answer

Monthly, which is too infrequent for most patients.

Question 49

Which nursing intervention is most effective in preventing peristomal skin irritation?

Accepted Answer

Using a moisture barrier wipe after each appliance change.

Answer

Exposing the stoma to air, which can dry out the skin and increase irritation.

Answer

Applying an antiseptic solution, which can be harsh on the skin.

Question 50

What is the primary purpose of a stoma cap?

Accepted Answer

To cover the stoma when it is not producing output, maintaining hygiene and preventing odor.

Answer

To prevent odor, which is a secondary benefit, not the main purpose.

Answer

To reduce inflammation, which is not the primary function.