The nurse is emptying an ileostomy pouch for a patient. Which assessment finding will the nurse report immediately?

Choice A reason: Continuous output from the stoma is a normal finding for patients with an ileostomy. The stoma continuously produces waste, and regular emptying of the ileostomy pouch is expected. This does not indicate an urgent problem requiring immediate reporting. Choice B reason: The presence of blood in the stool is an abnormal and concerning finding. It can indicate bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract, which can be a sign of complications such as infection, ulceration, or trauma to the stoma or surrounding tissue. Immediate reporting of this finding is crucial for prompt evaluation and intervention. Choice C reason: Malodorous stool is common for patients with an ileostomy due to the nature of the waste produced. While it can be unpleasant, it is not necessarily a sign of a medical emergency unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Therefore, it is not an immediate priority for reporting. Choice D reason: The stool from an ileostomy typically has a liquid consistency due to the lack of absorption by the colon. This is expected and not a sign of an urgent problem. Therefore, it does not require immediate reporting.