A nurse is caring for a client who has a newly created colostomy. The client's partner tells the nurse that the client refuses to look at the stoma. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Encourage the client and partner to avoid expressing negative feelings about the colostomy: Suppressing emotions can hinder psychological adaptation. The nurse should encourage open discussion to promote emotional healing. B. Transfer the client to a rehabilitation facility for instruction about self-management of the colostomy: This step is unnecessary and premature; the nurse should first focus on emotional readiness and gradual teaching during hospitalization. C. Suggest the client join a support group for people who have colostomies: Clients with new ostomies often experience body image disturbance and emotional adjustment issues. Support groups provide peer encouragement, education, and normalization of the experience, which helps improve acceptance and self-care confidence. D. Instruct the client's partner to assume care of the colostomy for the client: This reinforces avoidance behavior and delays the client’s adjustment and independence.