Questions on Gastrointestinal Tract Related

Review Questions on Gastrointestinal Tract related questions and content

On examining a patient 8 hours after having surgery to create a colostomy, what should the nurse expect to find?

  • A. Hyperactive, high-pitched bowel sounds
  • B. A brick-red, puffy stoma that oozes blood
  • C. A purplish stoma, shiny and moist with mucus
  • D. A small amount of liquid fecal drainage from the stoma
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because 8 hours post colostomy surgery, a purplish stoma that is shiny and moist with mucus indicates adequate blood supply and tissue perfusion, which are signs of a healthy stoma. A is incorrect as hyperactive, high-pitched bowel sounds are not expected immediately post-surgery. B is incorrect as a brick-red, puffy stoma oozing blood could indicate poor perfusion. D is incorrect as liquid fecal drainage is not expected immediately post-surgery; it usually starts a few days later.