#
ATI Ostomy Care Exam 2026/2027:
# # # #
Verified Questions & Answers Test Bank # # # # #
to Pass on Your First Attempt
# # # # #
1. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new colostomy about stoma care.
# # # # # # # # # # # # # #
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding
# # # # # # # # # #
of the teaching?
# #
A. "I will clean the stoma with alcohol daily."
# # # # # # # #
B. "My stoma should appear pale and bluish."
# # # # # # #
C. "I will expect my stoma to shrink over the next several weeks."
# # # # # # # # # # # #
D. "I will apply a dry gauze directly over the stoma after cleaning."
# # # # # # # # # # # #
Answer: C. "I will expect my stoma to shrink over the next several
# # # # # # # # # # # #
weeks."
Rationale: Postoperatively, the stoma will gradually decrease in size (edema
# # # # # # # # #
subsides) over 6–8 weeks. The stoma should be moist and pink to red (not
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
pale/blue). Clean with warm water; alcohol is drying. Use a pouching
# # # # # # # # # #
system, not dry gauze.
# # #
2. A nurse is assessing a client’s stoma on the second postoperative day. Which
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
# # # # # # # # # #
A. The stoma is edematous and pink.
# # # # # #
B. The stoma is producing liquid effluent.
# # # # # #
C. The stoma appears dark purple.
# # # # #
D. The stoma is tender to touch.
# # # # # #
Answer: C. The stoma appears dark purple.
# # # # # #
,#
Rationale: A dark purple or black stoma indicates ischemia or necrosis and
# # # # # # # # # # #
requires immediate notification. Mild edema and pink color are expected.
# # # # # # # # #
New ileostomies produce liquid effluent; tenderness is normal initially.
# # # # # # # #
3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a new ileostomy.
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
Which of the following dietary instructions should the nurse include?
# # # # # # # # #
A. "Increase intake of raw fruits and vegetables to prevent constipation."
# # # # # # # # # #
B. "Chew your food thoroughly and eat small, frequent meals."
# # # # # # # # #
C. "Drink at least 3 liters of water daily with meals."
# # # # # # # # # #
D. "Avoid all high-fiber foods permanently."
# # # # #
Answer: B. "Chew your food thoroughly and eat small, frequent
# # # # # # # # #
meals."
Rationale: Chewing thoroughly and eating small, frequent meals helps
# # # # # # # #
prevent blockage (especially with high-fiber foods). Raw vegetables should
# # # # # # # #
be introduced gradually; high-fiber foods are not permanently avoided.
# # # # # # # #
Fluids should be increased but sipped throughout the day, not just with
# # # # # # # # # # #
meals.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a urostomy (ileal conduit). Which of
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # #
the following findings indicates that the pouching system is functioning
# # # # # # # # #
correctly?
A. The urine is dark amber with strong odor.
# # # # # # # #
B. The stoma is moist and beefy red.
# # # # # # #
C. The adhesive wafer is changed every 7 days.
# # # # # # # #
D. The urine output is less than 30 mL/hour.
# # # # # # # #
Answer: B. The stoma is moist and beefy red.
# # # # # # # #
Rationale: A healthy urostomy stoma should be moist and pink/red. Urine
# # # # # # # # # #
should be pale yellow; dark urine indicates dehydration. Pouching systems
# # # # # # # # #
,#
typically need changing every 3–5 days (or sooner if leakage). Urine output
# # # # # # # # # # #
should be at least 30 mL/hour.
# # # # #
5. A nurse is teaching a client how to empty a drainable ostomy pouch. Which
# # # # # # # # # # # # # #
of the following actions should the nurse include?
# # # # # # #
A. Empty the pouch when it is one-half to two-thirds full.
# # # # # # # # # #
B. Remove the pouch completely each time to clean it.
# # # # # # # # #
C. Use a paper towel to clean the inside of the pouch.
# # # # # # # # # # #
D. Apply lotion to the peristomal skin before reapplying the pouch.
# # # # # # # # # #
Answer: A. Empty the pouch when it is one-half to two-thirds full.
# # # # # # # # # # #
Rationale: Emptying when half to two-thirds full prevents leakage and
# # # # # # # # #
weight. The pouch is not removed each time; it is emptied via the bottom
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
opening. Clean the outside only; do not insert paper towels. Lotion should
# # # # # # # # # # #
not be applied to peristomal skin (prevents adhesion).
# # # # # # #
6. A nurse is assessing a client’s peristomal skin. Which of the following
# # # # # # # # # # # #
findings should the nurse identify as a sign of irritation from the pouching
# # # # # # # # # # # #
adhesive?
A. Hyperpigmentation
#
B. Erythema and weeping
# # #
C. Pale, moist skin
# # #
D. Dry, flaky skin
# # #
Answer: B. Erythema and weeping # # # #
Rationale: Erythema (redness) and weeping (exudate) indicate contact
# # # # # # #
dermatitis or irritation from adhesive or leakage. Hyperpigmentation may be
# # # # # # # # #
normal or from chronic irritation. Pale skin is not typical. Dry skin may be
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
from cleansing.
#
,#
7. A nurse is planning care for a client with a new colostomy. Which of the
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # #
following interventions should the nurse include to promote proper stoma
# # # # # # # # #
function?
A. Irrigate the colostomy daily to prevent constipation.
# # # # # # #
B. Apply a barrier ring around the stoma to prevent leakage.
# # # # # # # # # #
C. Keep the stoma covered with a dry sterile dressing between pouch
# # # # # # # # # # #
changes.
D. Measure the stoma weekly to adjust the wafer opening.
# # # # # # # # #
Answer: B. Apply a barrier ring around the stoma to prevent leakage.
# # # # # # # # # # #
Rationale: A barrier ring (or paste) fills creases around the stoma, preventing
# # # # # # # # # # #
leakage. Irrigation is not routine for all colostomies; only for
# # # # # # # # #
descending/sigmoid colostomies as prescribed. The stoma should be # # # # # # #
pouched at all times, not covered with a dressing. Stoma size is measured at
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
each pouch change (initially daily, then weekly after stabilization).
# # # # # # # #
8. A nurse is providing teaching to a client about how to prevent parastomal
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
hernia. Which of the following statements by the client indicates
# # # # # # # # #
understanding?
A. "I will wear a support belt or hernia belt when lifting heavy objects."
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
B. "I will perform sit-ups and crunches daily to strengthen my abdominal
# # # # # # # # # # #
muscles."
C. "I will avoid all physical activity to prevent strain."
# # # # # # # # #
D. "I will increase my intake of carbonated beverages to reduce bloating."
# # # # # # # # # # #
Answer: A. "I will wear a support belt or hernia belt when lifting heavy
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
objects."
Rationale: Support belts help prevent hernias by providing external support.
# # # # # # # # #
Sit-ups/crunches increase intra-abdominal pressure and risk. Avoiding all
# # # # # # #
ATI Ostomy Care Exam 2026/2027:
# # # #
Verified Questions & Answers Test Bank # # # # #
to Pass on Your First Attempt
# # # # #
1. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new colostomy about stoma care.
# # # # # # # # # # # # # #
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding
# # # # # # # # # #
of the teaching?
# #
A. "I will clean the stoma with alcohol daily."
# # # # # # # #
B. "My stoma should appear pale and bluish."
# # # # # # #
C. "I will expect my stoma to shrink over the next several weeks."
# # # # # # # # # # # #
D. "I will apply a dry gauze directly over the stoma after cleaning."
# # # # # # # # # # # #
Answer: C. "I will expect my stoma to shrink over the next several
# # # # # # # # # # # #
weeks."
Rationale: Postoperatively, the stoma will gradually decrease in size (edema
# # # # # # # # #
subsides) over 6–8 weeks. The stoma should be moist and pink to red (not
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
pale/blue). Clean with warm water; alcohol is drying. Use a pouching
# # # # # # # # # #
system, not dry gauze.
# # #
2. A nurse is assessing a client’s stoma on the second postoperative day. Which
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
# # # # # # # # # #
A. The stoma is edematous and pink.
# # # # # #
B. The stoma is producing liquid effluent.
# # # # # #
C. The stoma appears dark purple.
# # # # #
D. The stoma is tender to touch.
# # # # # #
Answer: C. The stoma appears dark purple.
# # # # # #
,#
Rationale: A dark purple or black stoma indicates ischemia or necrosis and
# # # # # # # # # # #
requires immediate notification. Mild edema and pink color are expected.
# # # # # # # # #
New ileostomies produce liquid effluent; tenderness is normal initially.
# # # # # # # #
3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a new ileostomy.
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
Which of the following dietary instructions should the nurse include?
# # # # # # # # #
A. "Increase intake of raw fruits and vegetables to prevent constipation."
# # # # # # # # # #
B. "Chew your food thoroughly and eat small, frequent meals."
# # # # # # # # #
C. "Drink at least 3 liters of water daily with meals."
# # # # # # # # # #
D. "Avoid all high-fiber foods permanently."
# # # # #
Answer: B. "Chew your food thoroughly and eat small, frequent
# # # # # # # # #
meals."
Rationale: Chewing thoroughly and eating small, frequent meals helps
# # # # # # # #
prevent blockage (especially with high-fiber foods). Raw vegetables should
# # # # # # # #
be introduced gradually; high-fiber foods are not permanently avoided.
# # # # # # # #
Fluids should be increased but sipped throughout the day, not just with
# # # # # # # # # # #
meals.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a urostomy (ileal conduit). Which of
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # #
the following findings indicates that the pouching system is functioning
# # # # # # # # #
correctly?
A. The urine is dark amber with strong odor.
# # # # # # # #
B. The stoma is moist and beefy red.
# # # # # # #
C. The adhesive wafer is changed every 7 days.
# # # # # # # #
D. The urine output is less than 30 mL/hour.
# # # # # # # #
Answer: B. The stoma is moist and beefy red.
# # # # # # # #
Rationale: A healthy urostomy stoma should be moist and pink/red. Urine
# # # # # # # # # #
should be pale yellow; dark urine indicates dehydration. Pouching systems
# # # # # # # # #
,#
typically need changing every 3–5 days (or sooner if leakage). Urine output
# # # # # # # # # # #
should be at least 30 mL/hour.
# # # # #
5. A nurse is teaching a client how to empty a drainable ostomy pouch. Which
# # # # # # # # # # # # # #
of the following actions should the nurse include?
# # # # # # #
A. Empty the pouch when it is one-half to two-thirds full.
# # # # # # # # # #
B. Remove the pouch completely each time to clean it.
# # # # # # # # #
C. Use a paper towel to clean the inside of the pouch.
# # # # # # # # # # #
D. Apply lotion to the peristomal skin before reapplying the pouch.
# # # # # # # # # #
Answer: A. Empty the pouch when it is one-half to two-thirds full.
# # # # # # # # # # #
Rationale: Emptying when half to two-thirds full prevents leakage and
# # # # # # # # #
weight. The pouch is not removed each time; it is emptied via the bottom
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
opening. Clean the outside only; do not insert paper towels. Lotion should
# # # # # # # # # # #
not be applied to peristomal skin (prevents adhesion).
# # # # # # #
6. A nurse is assessing a client’s peristomal skin. Which of the following
# # # # # # # # # # # #
findings should the nurse identify as a sign of irritation from the pouching
# # # # # # # # # # # #
adhesive?
A. Hyperpigmentation
#
B. Erythema and weeping
# # #
C. Pale, moist skin
# # #
D. Dry, flaky skin
# # #
Answer: B. Erythema and weeping # # # #
Rationale: Erythema (redness) and weeping (exudate) indicate contact
# # # # # # #
dermatitis or irritation from adhesive or leakage. Hyperpigmentation may be
# # # # # # # # #
normal or from chronic irritation. Pale skin is not typical. Dry skin may be
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
from cleansing.
#
,#
7. A nurse is planning care for a client with a new colostomy. Which of the
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # #
following interventions should the nurse include to promote proper stoma
# # # # # # # # #
function?
A. Irrigate the colostomy daily to prevent constipation.
# # # # # # #
B. Apply a barrier ring around the stoma to prevent leakage.
# # # # # # # # # #
C. Keep the stoma covered with a dry sterile dressing between pouch
# # # # # # # # # # #
changes.
D. Measure the stoma weekly to adjust the wafer opening.
# # # # # # # # #
Answer: B. Apply a barrier ring around the stoma to prevent leakage.
# # # # # # # # # # #
Rationale: A barrier ring (or paste) fills creases around the stoma, preventing
# # # # # # # # # # #
leakage. Irrigation is not routine for all colostomies; only for
# # # # # # # # #
descending/sigmoid colostomies as prescribed. The stoma should be # # # # # # #
pouched at all times, not covered with a dressing. Stoma size is measured at
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
each pouch change (initially daily, then weekly after stabilization).
# # # # # # # #
8. A nurse is providing teaching to a client about how to prevent parastomal
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
hernia. Which of the following statements by the client indicates
# # # # # # # # #
understanding?
A. "I will wear a support belt or hernia belt when lifting heavy objects."
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
B. "I will perform sit-ups and crunches daily to strengthen my abdominal
# # # # # # # # # # #
muscles."
C. "I will avoid all physical activity to prevent strain."
# # # # # # # # #
D. "I will increase my intake of carbonated beverages to reduce bloating."
# # # # # # # # # # #
Answer: A. "I will wear a support belt or hernia belt when lifting heavy
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
objects."
Rationale: Support belts help prevent hernias by providing external support.
# # # # # # # # #
Sit-ups/crunches increase intra-abdominal pressure and risk. Avoiding all
# # # # # # #
