Ostomy Care Practice Test

A 59-year-old client is 5 days postoperative with a new ileostomy. The stoma is pink and moist; output is moderate and liquid. The peristomal skin is intact, but the client refuses to look at the stoma and says, “My spouse will never accept this,” and begins to cry. Which action should the nurse take FIRST regarding the ostomy care?

A 45-year-old client is learning to change a new colostomy pouch on postoperative day 4. The stoma is red, moist, and slightly swollen; output is soft brown stool. The peristomal skin has mild redness where adhesive was removed, and the client has limited hand strength from arthritis and says, “I can’t cut the wafer evenly.” The nurse should PRIORITIZE which intervention for the client's ostomy?