A nurse is providing care to a 6-year-old client who has an ileostomy. Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate to support ostomy care?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Assess the stoma site monthly to minimize disruption to the client's routine: Stoma assessment should be performed at least daily, especially in pediatric clients, to monitor for changes in color, size, and skin integrity, rather than monthly. B. Consult the wound-ostomy team for guidance on treating irritated or broken skin around the stoma: Involving a wound-ostomy-continence (WOC) nurse ensures specialized care for peristomal skin breakdown and helps prevent complications, which is essential for maintaining the stoma and surrounding tissue. C. Change the ostomy appliance daily regardless of the condition of the stoma site: Routine daily changes are unnecessary and can irritate the skin. Appliance changes should be based on the condition of the skin and the integrity of the pouch system. D. Empty the ostomy's stool output only when the collection appliance is full to capacity: Waiting until the appliance is full can increase the risk of leakage, skin breakdown, and odor. It is recommended to empty the pouch when it is one-third to one-half full.