7.5 Ostomies

Tracy M. Christianson, RN, BSN, MN, DHEd, CCNE; Kimberley Morris, RN, BN, MN

7.5 Ostomies

An ostomy is the surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) from an area inside the body to the outside of the body. In ostomies related to elimination, a stoma is an opening on the abdomen that is connected to the gastrointestinal or urinary system to allow waste (i.e., urine or feces) to be collected in a pouch. See Figure 7.5.1 for an image of a stoma. A stoma can be permanent, such as when an organ is removed, or temporary, such as when an organ requires time to heal. Ostomies are created for patients with conditions such as cancer of the bowel or bladder, inflammatory bowel diseases, or perforation of the colon.

There are several different kinds of ostomies related to elimination. Common types of ostomies include the following:

Ileostomy: The lower end of the small intestine (ileum) is attached to a stoma to bypass the colon, rectum, and anus.
Colostomy: The colon is attached to a stoma to bypass the rectum and the anus.
Urostomy: The ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder) are attached to a stoma to bypass the bladder.

See picture below. Comparing the anatomical locations of ileostomies and various sites of colostomies. It is important for the nurse to understand the site of a patient’s colostomy because the site impacts the characteristics of the waste. For example, due to the natural digestive process of the colon and absorption of water, waste from an ileostomy or a colostomy placed in the anterior ascending colon will be watery compared to waste from an ostomy placed in the descending colon.

**Figure 7.5.2** Location of an Ileostomy Compared to Colostomies

The tissue of a stoma is very delicate. Immediately after surgery, a stoma is swollen, but it will shrink in size over several weeks. A healthy, healed stoma appears moist and dark red or pink in color. Stomas that are swollen; dry; have malodorous discharge; or are bluish, purple, black, or pale should be reported to the provider. The skin surrounding a stoma can easily become irritated from the pouch adhesive or leakage of fluid from the stoma, so the nurse must perform interventions to prevent skin breakdown. Any identified signs of skin breakdown should be reported to the provider.

Stoma appliances are supplied as a one- or two-piece set. A two-piece set consists of an ostomy barrier (also called a wafer) and a pouch. The ostomy barrier is the part of the appliance that sticks to the skin with a hole that is fitted around the stoma. The pouch collects the waste and must be emptied regularly. It attaches to the ostomy barrier in a clicking motion to secure the two parts, similar to how a plastic storage container cover snaps to a container to create a seal. The pouching system must be completely sealed to prevent leaking of the waste and to protect the surrounding peristomal skin. The pouch has an end with an opening where the waste is drained and is closed using a plastic clip or Velcro strip.

In a one-piece stoma appliance set, the ostomy barrier and the pouch are one piece. See Figure 7.5.4 for an image of a stoma with an ostomy barrier in place. See Figure 7.5.5 for an image of a patient with an ileostomy appliance with a pouch attached.

Individuals with colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies have no sensation and no control over the output of the stoma. Depending on the type of system, the ostomy appliance can last from four to seven days, but the pouch must be changed if there is leaking, odor, excessive skin exposure, or itching or burning under the skin barrier. Patients with pouches can swim and take showers with the pouching system on.

Changing an Ostomy Appliance (Flange and Pouch)

Disclaimer: Always review and follow your agency policy regarding this specific skill. This may be a delegation of task for HCAs.

Safety Considerations

Pouching system should be changed every 4 to 7 days, depending on the patient and type of pouch.Notify supervisor if there is skin breakdown, if there are challenges with flange adhesion, or if there are other concerns related to the pouching system.
Clients should participate in the care of their ostomy, if able, and health care providers should promote client and family involvement.
Encourage the patient to empty the pouch when it is one-third to one-half full of urine, flatus, or feces as they become heavy and have increased risk of spillage.
Ostomy product choices may be limited in acute care settings. Other choices are available in community retail settings. Encourage the client / family to explore other options.
Observe the center of the flange for evidence of leaking. Waste on the peristomal skin can cause skin breakdown. Leaking flanges must be changed immediately.
An ostomy belt may be used to help hold the ostomy pouch in place.
Factors that affect the pouching system include sweating, high heat, moist or oily skin, and physical exercise.
Always report minor skin irritations immediately. Skin that is sore, wet, or red is difficult to seal with a flange.
Change ileostomy appliances PRIOR to eating to decrease the likelihood that a bowel movement will occur during appliance change.

Table 7.5.1 Procedure: Changing an Ostomy Appliance^[1]
STEP	ACTION	ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1.	Perform hand hygiene.	This prevents the spread of microorganisms. Figure 7.5.6 Hand Hygiene
2.	Gather supplies.	Supplies include flange, ostomy bag and clip, scissors, stoma measuring guide, waterproof pad, pen, adhesive remover for old flange, skin prep, stomahesive paste or powder, warm wet cloth(s) and dry cloth, non-sterile gloves, Ostomy Supplies Figure 7.5.7 Ostomy Supplies
3.	Identify the client and review the procedure. Encourage the client to participate as much as possible, or observe and assist patient as they complete the procedure.	Proper identification complies with agency policy. Encouraging patients to participate helps them adjust to having an ostomy.
4.	Create privacy. Place waterproof pad under pouch.	The pad prevents the spilling of effluent on patient and bed sheets.
5.	Apply gloves. Remove ostomy bag, and measure and empty contents. Place old pouching system in garbage bag.	Figure 7.5.8 Removing an Ostomy Bag
6.	Remove flange by gently pulling it toward the stoma. Support the skin with your other hand. An adhesive remover may be used.	Gentle removal helps prevent skin tears. An adhesive remover may be used to decrease skin and hair stripping. Figure 7.5.9 Removing a Flange
7.	Clean stoma gently by wiping with warm water. Do not use soap.	Aggressive cleaning can cause bleeding. If removing stoma adhesive paste from skin, use a dry cloth first. Figure 7.5.10 Cleaning a Stoma Clean stoma and peristomal skin.
8.	Observe stoma and peristomal skin.	A stoma should be pink to red in colour, preferrably raised above skin level, and moist. Figure 7.5.11 Healthy Stoma Assess stoma Skin surrounding the stoma should be intact and free from wounds, rashes, or skin breakdown. Notify supervisor if you are concerned about the condition of the peristomal skin.
9.	Measure the stoma diameter using the measuring guide (tracing template) and cut out stoma hole. Trace diameter of the measuring guide onto the flange, and cut on the outside of the pen marking.	The opening should be 2 mm larger than the stoma size. Keep the measurement guide with patient supplies for future use. Figure 7.5.12 Measuring Stoma Size Trace template Figure 7.5.13 Cutting Flange to Size Once size is traced onto back of flange, cut out size to fit stoma Figure 7.5.14 Fitting Flange to Stoma Assess flange for proper fit to stoma
10.	Prepare skin and apply accessory products as required or according to agency policy.	Accessory products may include stomahesive paste, stomahesive powder, or products used to create a skin sealant to adhere pouching system to skin to prevent leaking. Wet skin will prevent the flange from adhering to the skin. Figure 7.5.15 Prepping Peristomal Skin Peristomal skin prep Figure 7.5.16 Applying Stomahesive Paste Stomahesive paste
11.	Remove inner backing on flange and apply flange over stoma. Leave the border tape on. Apply pressure. Hold in place for 1 minute to warm the flange to meld to patient’s body. Then remove outer border backing and press gently to create seal.	The warmth of the hand can help the appliance adhere to the skin and prevent leakage. Figure 7.5.17 Preparing Flange Remove backing from flange Figure 7.5.18 Applying Flange Apply flange around stoma Figure 7.5.19 Sealing Flange Press gently to create seal
12.	Apply the ostomy bag. Attach the clip to the bottom of the bag.	This step prevents the effluent from soiling the patient or bed. Figure 7.5.20 Applying Ostomy Pouch Apply ostomy pouch Figure 7.5.21 Closing Ostomy Pouch Attach clip to bottom of bag
13.	Hold palm of hand over ostomy pouch for 2 minutes to assist with appliance adhering to skin.	Some flanges are heat activated and adhere better when warmth is applied.
14.	Clean up supplies, and place patient in a comfortable position. Remove garbage from patient’s room.	Removing garbage helps decrease odour.
15.	Perform hand hygiene.	This minimizes the transmission of microorganisms.
16.	Document procedure.	Follow agency policy for documentation. Document appearance of stoma and peristomal skin, products used, and patient’s ability to tolerate procedure and assistance with procedure.

Watch the video：

Ostomy Bag Pouch Change | Ostomy Care Nursing | Colostomy, Ileostomy Bag Change by RegisteredNurseRN (2017).

Stool Specimen Collection

Stool samples are collected from patients to test for cancer, parasites, or for occult blood (i.e., hidden blood). Follow specific instructions from the facility/agency where you are working for collecting the sample.

To collect a sample in an inpatient setting, perform the following steps:

Explain the procedure to the patient. Instruct them to flush the toilet before defecating to remove any potential chemicals and to not place toilet paper in the toilet after defecating. Request they notify you when they have had a bowel movement.
Review the manufacturer’s instructions because different test kits may have different instructions.
Contact the laboratory with any questions.
Label the card with the patient’s name and medical information as per agency policy. Open the flap of the guaiac test card.
Apply nonsterile gloves. Use the applicator stick to apply a thin smear of the stool specimen to one of the squares of filter paper on the card. Obtain a second specimen from a different part of the stool and apply it to the second square of filter paper on the card. (Occult blood isn’t typically equally dispersed throughout the stool.)
Place the labeled test card in a transport bag and send it to the laboratory for analysis.
If you are working in an agency where nurses apply the guaiac developer solution to the card, allow the specimen to dry for 3 to 5 minutes. Open the reverse side of the card and apply two drops of guaiac developer solution to each square. A blue reaction will occur within 60 seconds if the test is positive. The absence of a blue color after 60 seconds is considered a negative test.
Document the date and time of the test and any unusual characteristics of the stool sample.

Procedure Videos

The following videos provide the best demonstration of the skills for giving a suppository or enema as well has how to empty and change an ostomy flange and bag.

Watch the video:

How to Give a Suppository or Enema, by CareChannel (2019).

Watch the video:

Note: this may be a delegated task depending on your agency/facility.

How To Empty & Change An Ostomy Bag by CareChannel (2019)

Summary:

Helping to ensure your clients maintain health urinary and bowel elimination are essential medical and psychosocial aspects of providing quality care. The HCA can help clients maintain regular and healthy elimination and prevent complications such constipation, infections, and incontinence.

Review Questions

Which term describes the process of emptying urine from the bladder: (Select one or more)
1. Voiding
2. Defecation
3. Urination
4. Micturition
Urine should be observed for color, clarity, odour, amount and particles
1. False
2. True
Which of the following is your responsibility when supporting Mrs. Daliwal who has an indwelling catheter?
1. Keep the drainage bag below the level of her bladder
2. Hide the tubing by placing it underneath the client
3. Hook the drainage bag to the bed rail
4. Try to comfort her by saying that her urge to void is all in her head
The prolonged retention and accumulation of feces in the rectum is called:
1. Fecal incontinence
2. Fecal impaction
3. Constipation
4. Diarrhea
Which statement about ostomies is True?
1. Good skin care around the stoma is essential
2. The client does not need to wear a pouch
3. Feces are always liquid
4. Deodorants cannot control odours
Which position should the client be in when the HCA gives an enema?
1. Right position
2. Prone position
3. Sim’s position
4. Semi-fowler’s position

Chapter 7 Attributions and References

Unit 7.2 Image Attributions

Figure 7.2.1 Urine Hydration Chart by Aishik Rehman, via Wikimedia Commons, is licensed under a CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.2.2 Home Care Bedpans & Urinals by BruceBlaus, via Wikimedia Commons, is licensed under a CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.2.3 Condom Catheter by BruceBlaus, via Wikimedia Commons, is licensed under a CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.2.4 Urinary Drainage Bag by Kim Morris, HCA Program/ Thompson Rivers University, is used under a CC BY 2.0 licence.
Figure 7.2.5 Drainage Bag Position by BruceBlaus, via Wikimedia Commons, is licensed under a CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.2.6 Empty the Drainage Bag by BruceBlaus, via Wikimedia Commons, is licensed under a CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.2.7 Incontinence product by Hadifn, via Wikimedia Commons, is licensed under a CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.

Unit 7.3 Image Attributions

Figure 7.3.1 Bristol Stool Chart by John C Bullas, via Flickr, is licsensed under a CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 licence.
Figure 7.3.2 Gl oves by CDC, via Wikimedia Commons, is in the public domain.
Figure 7.3.3 Disposable Enema by Helena4780, via Wikimedia Commons, is licensed under a CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.
Figure 7.3.4 Lubricate tip of suppository or enema from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.3.5 Dispose of gloves from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.3.6 Using an ABHR by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash, is used under the Unsplash License.
Figure 7.3.7 Ensure call bell is available to client by Kim Morris, HCA Program/ Thompson Rivers University, is used under a CC BY 2.0 licence.

Unit 7.4 Image Attributions

Figure 7.4.1 Urine Specimen by Turbotorque, via Wikimedia Commons, is in the public domain.

Unit 7.5 Image Attributions

Figure 7.5.1 Stoma by Salicyna, via Wikimedia Commons, is licensed under a CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.2 Location of Ileostomy by BruceBlaus, via Wikimedia Commons, is licensed under a CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.3 Colostomy Types by BruceBlaus, via Wikimedia Commons, is used under a CC BY 3.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.4 Ostomy Barrier by Eric Polsinelli, via Wikimedia Commons, is licensed under a CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.5 Ostomy Pouch by Salicyna, via Wikimedia Commons, is licensed under a CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.6 Hand Hygiene by Arlington County, via Flickr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.7 Ostomy Supplies from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.8 Removing an Ostomy Bag, from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.9 Removing a Flange, from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.10 Cleaning a Stoma, from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.11 Healthy Stoma, from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.12 Measuring Stoma Size, from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.13 Cutting Flange to Size, from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.14 Fitting Flange to Stoma, from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.15 Prepping Peristomal Skin, from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.16 Applying Stomahesive Paste, from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.17 Preparing Flange, from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.18 Applying Flange, from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.19 Applying Ostomy Pouch, from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.20 Applying Ostomy Pouch, from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.
Figure 7.5.21 Closing Ostomy Pouch, from Anderson, Doyle & McCutcheon (2018), via BCcampus, is used under a CC BY 4.0 licence.

Videos

What Your Urine Color Says About Your Health | Urinary System Breakdown | #DeepDives by Health (2021) is licensed under a Standard YouTube License.
Urinary Tract Infections, Animation by Alila Medical Media (2016) is licensed under a Standard YouTube License.
How to use a Bed Pan – Tips for Caregivers by CareChannel (2019) is licensed under a Standard YouTube License.
Assisting with a Urinal by Ashraf Z Qotmosh (2020) is licensed under a Standard YouTube License.
How to Apply a Condom Catheter, by University of Manitoba Nursing Skills (2018) is licensed under a Standard YouTube License.
How to Perform Perineal Care with an Indwelling Catheter, by University of Manitoba Nursing Skills (2018) is licensed under a Standard YouTube License.
Empty Urinary Drainage Bag CNA Skill NEW, by 4yourCNA (2016) is licensed under a Standard YouTube License.

References

Anderson, R., Doyle, G. R., & McCutcheon, J. A. (2018). Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care – Thompson Rivers University Edition. Thompson Rivers University. https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/clinicalproceduresforsaferpatientcaretrubscn//

Berman, A. J., & Snyder S. (2016). Skills in clinical nursing (8th ed.). Pearson.

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). (2015b). Clinical techniques. In NURS 2020. BCIT. https://circuit.bcit.ca/islandora/object/coutlines%3A400

Blausen.com Staff. (2014). Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014. Wikijournal of Medicine, 1(2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436.

Convatech. (2018). Ostomy care video library. https://www.convatec.com/videos/ostomy-videos/.

Lilley, L., Rainforth Collins, S., Snyder, J., & Swart, B. (2016). Pharmacology for Canadian health care practice (3rd Canadian ed.). Elsevier.

Perry, A. G., Potter, P. A., & Ostendorf, W. R. (2018). Clinical nursing skills and techniques (9th ed.). Elsevier-Mosby.

United Ostomy Association of America. (2017). Ileostomy guide. http://www.ostomy.org/uploaded/files/ostomy_info/IleostomyGuide.pdf?direct=1.

(Data source: BCIT, 2015; Berman & Snyder, 2016; Convatec, 2018; Perry, et al., 2018; United Ostomy Association of America, 2017) ↵

License

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Personal Care Skills for Health Care Assistants Copyright © 2023 by Tracy Christianson and Kimberly Morris, Thompson Rivers University. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.