A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client who has a new sigmoid colostomy. Which of the following comments by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "I will empty the pouch every 2 to 3 hours.": While it is important to empty the pouch when it is about one-third to half full, emptying it every 2 to 3 hours is unnecessary unless output is extremely high. Frequent emptying is based on the volume of stool, not strict timing. B. "I will no longer be able to eat nuts.": Clients with a sigmoid colostomy typically resume a normal diet after healing, including nuts, unless otherwise instructed. Nuts are more commonly restricted after ileostomies due to the risk of obstruction, not sigmoid colostomies. C. "I should expect my stool to be unformed.": Stool from a sigmoid colostomy is usually formed or semi-formed because it comes from the end of the colon where water absorption has mostly occurred. Unformed stool is more characteristic of ileostomies. D. "I will notify my doctor if the stoma starts to look purple.": A healthy stoma should appear pink to red and moist. A purple, dark, or dusky stoma indicates impaired blood flow or ischemia and requires immediate medical evaluation to prevent serious complications.