A nurse is teaching a client who had a sigmoid colostomy created 3 days ago. The client asks why the stoma output looks like liquid right now. Which response best explains this finding?
- A.The liquid output means the bowel anastomosis has leaked and surgery is needed
- B.The liquid stool is expected in the early post-operative period; output will firm as diet advances
- C.Liquid stool from a sigmoid colostomy is permanent because the colon cannot absorb water
- D.The output indicates the colostomy is not functioning properly and should be reported
Show answer & rationale
Correct answer
B. The liquid stool is expected in the early post-operative period; output will firm as diet advances
Rationale
B is correct: In the first days after colostomy surgery, the bowel is recovering from surgical manipulation and the client is on a liquid or restricted diet, so stool consistency is loose to liquid. As the client advances to solid foods and the bowel heals, output from a sigmoid colostomy typically becomes formed or semi-formed, because the sigmoid colon is distal enough to absorb significant water. A is incorrect: Anastomotic leak presents with fever, pain, and systemic signs, not liquid stool alone from a new stoma. C is incorrect: A sigmoid colostomy is located in the most distal part of the colon, which normally absorbs water. Output does become more formed over time. D is incorrect: Liquid output in the early post-op period is expected and does not alone indicate malfunction.
Key concepts