A 47-year-old patient with a permanent colostomy reports some abdominal discomfort and rigidity 3 days after surgery. Which assessment should the nurse report and record?

Rationale: A. Some mild protrusion of a stoma can be normal postoperatively, depending on the type of colostomy. Unless it is excessive, painful, or associated with other complications, it is not immediately alarming. B. These vital signs indicate possible early infection or systemic response. A slightly elevated temperature and tachycardia 3 days post-surgery can suggest surgical site infection or intra-abdominal complication, and the elevated blood pressure could indicate pain or stress response. This finding must be reported and documented promptly for early intervention. C. Green-brown liquid drainage is normal for colostomy output, especially in the early postoperative period. Minor oozing from the pouch edges may indicate minor skin irritation, which is common and does not require urgent reporting. D. Mild swelling, redness, and a small amount of bleeding at the stoma base are common in the immediate postoperative period due to surgical trauma. While it should be monitored, it is not as urgent as systemic signs like abnormal vital signs.