The nurse is caring for a preterm infant in the neonatal intensive care unit who has multiple stomas.Given the uniqueness of infants,which action is essential for the nurse to take?
A)Apply an ostomy pouch using standard sealants.
B)Use a pouch that can accommodate increased amounts of flatus.
C)Use multiple pouches (one for each stoma).
D)Be aware that the stoma size will remain the same as the baby grows.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because babies swallow large amounts of air while sucking,it is normal to expect flatus.Make sure that the pouch can accommodate increased amounts of flatus after feeding,or be prepared to release flatus frequently.The skin of a preterm infant is not fully developed and is more absorbent than the skin of a full-term infant.Do not use skin sealants and adhesive removers unless they are approved for preterm infant use.Neonates may have multiple stomas on their tiny abdomens that are the result of corrective bowel surgeries.Select a cut-to-fit pouch that allows multiple stoma openings in the skin barrier yet still fits on the neonate's abdomen.Usually,a baby triples its birth weight in the first year.As a baby grows in size,so does the stoma.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Preterm Infant in the Neonatal