A nurse is reinforcing teaching about colostomy care with a client. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of how to care for the colostomy?

A. "I will cleanse the stoma site gently with an antiseptic solution.": The stoma and surrounding skin should be cleaned with warm water and mild, non-irritating soap if needed. Antiseptic solutions can irritate the skin and damage the stoma, so this is not recommended. B. "I will contact my doctor right away if my stoma is red.": Mild redness around the stoma can be normal due to friction or recent appliance changes. Immediate contact is warranted only if there are additional signs of infection, severe irritation, or unusual bleeding. Routine redness alone is not necessarily a cause for urgent concern. C. "I will cut the wafer opening 1 inch bigger than my stoma.": The appliance opening should closely fit the stoma, typically allowing a 1/8 to 1/4 inch clearance. Cutting the wafer 1 inch larger would leave skin exposed to effluent, increasing the risk of irritation, breakdown, and leakage. D. "I will empty the colostomy bag when it is one-half full.": Emptying the colostomy bag when it is about one-half to two-thirds full helps prevent leakage and reduces the weight on the appliance, which supports skin integrity and ensures proper functioning. This statement reflects correct understanding of colostomy care.