Colostomy Teaching 1635
Empty your pouch when one-third to one-half full. Change your skin barrier every 3-7 days. You should not experience frequent leakage of your pouch seal. If you do, consult a WOC Nurse. Usually soap is not needed to clean the peristomal skin. If you use soap, make sure it does not contain any oils or lotions that can interfere with adhesives. Always rinse your skin and dry completely before you adhere the new pouch. After you apply your skin barrier, hold it in place against your skin for about one minute. This will help to activate the adhesive. You can shower, bathe, or swim with your ostomy after you are cleared by your physician. If you are using a bedside collection bag, clean it daily with a recommended solution to help minimize odor, crystal formation, and bacteria.
Reviewed November 2017
Reviewed for general reference only. Adapt to your patient, agency policy, and scope of practice.
Related teachings
Colostomy Teaching 1308SN 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.Colostomy Teaching 2366Instructed patient caregiver avoid dehydration, you should try to drink 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of fluid a day. If you have diarrhea, you may need more. Drinks such as Gatorade®, PowerAde, or Pedialyte contain potass...Colostomy Teaching 1714Instructed patient Call your doctor if the skin around your stoma: Pulls back, Is red or raw, has a rash, is dry, hurts or burns, swells or pushes out.Colostomy Teaching 2359Instructed caregiver many factors, such as foods, normal bacteria in your intestine, illness, certain medicines, and
vitamins can cause odor some foods can produce odor: eggs, cabbage, cheese, cucumber, onion, garlic, f...