OSTOMY 2026/2027 | NURSING STUDY GUIDE, EXAM REVIEW &
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
What is the nurse's initial action when preparing to change a patient's colostomy pouching
system?
Applying clean gloves
Draping the patient appropriately
Emptying the colostomy
Assessing the surrounding skin for signs of irritation. - Correct answer ✔✔ Applying clean gloves
CORRECT. Applying gloves first will protect the nurse while checking the stoma for leakage and
assessing the patient's skin for irritation.
When pouching a patient's colostomy, which action reduces the patient's risk for injury?
Measuring output when emptying the contents of the pouch
Maintaining the patient's bowel elimination function
Promoting the patient's autonomy with bowel elimination care
Protecting the skin from irritation caused by fecal drainage - Correct answer ✔✔ Protecting the
skin from irritation caused by fecal drainage
CORRECT. Protecting the skin from irritation caused by fecal drainage ensures correct pouching
and prevents injury associated with skin breakdown.
When changing the pouching system, which routine step best minimizes irritation of the skin
surrounding the stoma?
, Using adhesive remover
Emptying the ostomy bag only when full
Avoiding unnecessary changes of the pouching system
Wearing clean gloves - Correct answer ✔✔ Avoiding unnecessary changes of the pouching
system
Wearing clean gloves
CORRECT. Each pouching system change increases the risk of irritating the surrounding skin
tissue.
Which initial nursing action would best help the patient learn self-care of a colostomy pouching
system?
Giving the patient handouts on self care of a colostomy
Allowing the patient to examine an ostomy device
Identifying a family member who can participate in the ostomy appliance process
Giving the patient a mirror to watch the nurse provide care - Correct answer ✔✔ Giving the
patient a mirror to watch the nurse provide care
CORRECT. Giving the patient a mirror to watch the nurse provide care is a helpful beginning step
when teaching a patient self-care of a colostomy pouching system.
Which instruction might the nurse give to nursing assistive personnel (NAP) regarding the care
of a patient with a newly established colostomy?
"Be sure to pat-dry the skin surrounding the stoma before applying the new pouch."
"Alert me immediately if you see any blood in the fecal matter in the pouch."
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
What is the nurse's initial action when preparing to change a patient's colostomy pouching
system?
Applying clean gloves
Draping the patient appropriately
Emptying the colostomy
Assessing the surrounding skin for signs of irritation. - Correct answer ✔✔ Applying clean gloves
CORRECT. Applying gloves first will protect the nurse while checking the stoma for leakage and
assessing the patient's skin for irritation.
When pouching a patient's colostomy, which action reduces the patient's risk for injury?
Measuring output when emptying the contents of the pouch
Maintaining the patient's bowel elimination function
Promoting the patient's autonomy with bowel elimination care
Protecting the skin from irritation caused by fecal drainage - Correct answer ✔✔ Protecting the
skin from irritation caused by fecal drainage
CORRECT. Protecting the skin from irritation caused by fecal drainage ensures correct pouching
and prevents injury associated with skin breakdown.
When changing the pouching system, which routine step best minimizes irritation of the skin
surrounding the stoma?
, Using adhesive remover
Emptying the ostomy bag only when full
Avoiding unnecessary changes of the pouching system
Wearing clean gloves - Correct answer ✔✔ Avoiding unnecessary changes of the pouching
system
Wearing clean gloves
CORRECT. Each pouching system change increases the risk of irritating the surrounding skin
tissue.
Which initial nursing action would best help the patient learn self-care of a colostomy pouching
system?
Giving the patient handouts on self care of a colostomy
Allowing the patient to examine an ostomy device
Identifying a family member who can participate in the ostomy appliance process
Giving the patient a mirror to watch the nurse provide care - Correct answer ✔✔ Giving the
patient a mirror to watch the nurse provide care
CORRECT. Giving the patient a mirror to watch the nurse provide care is a helpful beginning step
when teaching a patient self-care of a colostomy pouching system.
Which instruction might the nurse give to nursing assistive personnel (NAP) regarding the care
of a patient with a newly established colostomy?
"Be sure to pat-dry the skin surrounding the stoma before applying the new pouch."
"Alert me immediately if you see any blood in the fecal matter in the pouch."
