A nurse is monitoring a patient with a colostomy. Which observation requires immediate attention?
Stoma appears dark and bluish
A healthy stoma is moist, beefy red or pink and slightly raised; this shows a good blood supply.
A dark, bluish, purple or black stoma signals ischaemia or necrosis due to poor blood supply and must be reported immediately.
Formed brown effluent is normal (especially for a descending or sigmoid colostomy) and a temporary drop in output after surgery is expected.
Hence, Stoma appears dark and bluish.
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Important Questions from Medical-Surgical Nursing
In a patient with a normal temperature and pulse but low blood pressure, which clinical condition should be considered first?
A nurse is tasked with teaching newly diagnosed hypertensive patients about medication adherence. What approach reflects effective teaching responsibility?
A nurse is evaluating elimination needs of a patient with a newly established colostomy. Which action demonstrates best practice for promoting self-care?
During a complex surgical procedure, the surgical team realizes a critical piece of equipment is malfunctioning. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse in charge of operation theatre supplies?
A middle-aged man with poorly controlled diabetes develops a foot ulcer, which becomes infected with bacteria that are part of his normal skin flora. Which type of infection is this?
