The nurse is caring for a client who has had a total proctocolectomy and permanent ileostomy who tells the nurse, "I cannot bear to even look at the stoma. I do not think I can manage all these changes." Which of the following actions is best?
A)Develop a detailed written plan for ostomy care for the client.
B)Ask the client more about the concerns with stoma management.
C)Reassure the client that care for the ileostomy will become easier.
D)Postpone any client teaching until the client adjusts to the ileostomy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Encouraging the client to share concerns assists in helping the client adjust to the body changes. Acknowledgement of the client's feelings and concerns is important rather than offering false reassurance. Because the client indicates that the feelings about the ostomy are the reason for the difficulty with the many changes, development of a detailed ostomy care plan will not improve the client's ability to manage the ostomy. Although detailed ostomy teaching may be postponed, the nurse should offer teaching about some aspects of living with an ostomy.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Has Had