Instructed patient the stoma is your bowel. It is protected by mucus so stool or urine won’t hurt it. A stoma rarely becomes infected. The most important thing is to protect the skin around your stoma. A correct fitting pouching system is the best way to prevent an infection of your skin. If there is a small leak under my skin barrier, is it okay to patch it with tape or paste: Always change your pouching system at the first signs of leakage.
Instructed patient when you have a stoma that drains urine or loose stool you may want to consider using an extended wear skin barrier because it will give your skin added protection. Itching or burning under the skin barrier may indicate that you have leakage, a skin rash, or a skin infection. You need to remove your pouching system as soon as possible to check your skin for any irritation.
Instructed patient to check your skin and the back of your skin barrier each time you change your pouching system. You can use a mirror to check your skin under the stoma. Look for any places where stool or urine may have leaked under the skin barrier and onto your skin. When you apply your next pouching system these areas may need some extra reinforcement with skin barrier strips, rings or paste.
Instructed patient If you do put tape around the skin barrier edges do not remove the tape after water activities. Removing the tape may cause the skin barrier to loosen. It is helpful to hold your skin smooth as you put your pouching system on to avoid wrinkles that may lead to leakage.
Instructed patient in some cases of colostomy, skin irritation or infection can result from stool that leaks under the bag. A hernia can develop around a colostomy, and the bowel may become narrow. Taking good care of your stoma and eating a balanced diet can help you avoid these problems. Pouching systems are waterproof. However, you may feel more secure if you wear an ostomy belt or put tape around the edges of your skin barrier when you are in the water.
SN instructed patient to try eating the main dinner meal at noon and a smaller meal in the evening. This helps to reduce the stool output at night.
SN instructed patient to eat foods at a regular time each day. Eating 4 to 6 smaller meals may help to promote a regular bowel pattern.
SN instructed patient to chew foods completely to help the digestive process. Especially avoid swallowing large pieces of leafy vegetables since they can block the stoma opening on the abdominal wall.
SN instructed patient to drink 2 to 3 quarts of water a day. This helps to keep the stool fluid, and it also prevents dehydration.
SN instructed patient to drink more water and fruit juices, up to six to eight glasses per day. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, as well as fibrous foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals to prevent constipation.