Colostomy Care Plan

Educate the patient on hand hygiene to prevent infection. Teach the patient about the signs and symptoms of infection or dehydration and when to call the doctor. Teach the patient how to properly change the pouch and wafer, protect the skin around the stoma and general care. Educate the patient about the medications being taken and to complete all medications as prescribed even if feeling better. Teach the patient to attend all follow up appointments and lab testing. Educate patient to seek counseling for disturbed body image Pathophysiology (1pt) A colostomy is a diversion of the effluent of the colon and may be temporary or permanent. Ascending, transverse, and sigmoid colostomies may be performed. Transverse colostomy is usually temporary. A sigmoid colostomy is the most common permanent stoma, usually performed for cancer treatment (Vera 2012). An ileostomy is an opening constructed in the terminal ileum to treat regional and ulcerative colitis and to divert intestinal contents in colon cancer, polyps, and trauma. It is usually done when the entire colon, rectum, and anus must be removed, in which case the ileostomy is permanent (Vera, 2012). .......................................CONTINUED........................