Caring for Clients With Ostomies

Vocabulary based flashcards covering the definitions, types, and surgical management of ostomies and related nursing care.

Ostomy

An opening between an internal body structure and the skin.

Ileostomy

A surgically created opening between the distal small intestine and the skin.

Colostomy

A surgically created opening between the colon (large bowel) and the skin.

Stoma

An opening on the exterior abdominal surface.

Standard or Brooke ileostomy

A type of ileostomy that may require a matured stoma and the use of an appliance.

Continent ileostomy

An internal reservoir for the storage of GI effluent, also known as an abdominal pouch, formed with a portion of terminal ileum and a nipple valve.

Ileoanal reservoir

Also known as a J-pouch or pelvic pouch, this procedure maintains bowel continence by preserving the anorectal sphincter and is often used for clients with ulcerative colitis.

Ostomate

A term used to describe a person who has an ostomy and uses an ostomy appliance.

Matured stoma

A stoma that has undergone the process of healing, resulting in a smooth peristomal area.

Karaya gum

A substance that protects the skin and promotes adhesion for ostomy appliances.

WOCNs

Wound, ostomy, and continence nurses who collaborate with surgeons to address the educational needs of the client.

Adrenal crisis

An emergency condition prevented by providing a preoperative stress dose of IV steroids to clients who have had to taper and discontinue prednisone.

Rectal pack

A dressing that absorbs drainage and promotes gradual healing, typically remaining in place for $5$ to $7$ days postoperatively.

Stomal necrosis

The death of stomal tissue that can occur if a stomal prolapse is not managed promptly and skillfully.

Nipple valve

A structure used within a continent ileostomy reservoir to help store GI effluent.

Anastomosis

The surgical procedure in the second stage of ileoanal reservoir surgery that reunites two sections of the ileum $2$ to $3$ months after the first stage.

Single-barrel colostomy

A colostomy with a single stoma constructed after a segmental resection or an abdominoperineal resection.

Double-barrel colostomy

An arrangement of two stomas, one proximal and one distal, which requires documentation in the medical record to guide assessment and irrigation.

Loop colostomy

A temporary colostomy where a loop of bowel is lifted and supported by a glass rod or plastic butterfly device; the opening itself lacks pain receptors.

Interval for reestablishing bowel

The period before a temporary colostomy is reversed, which can be $16$ months or longer.