(SOLVED) A patient has a colostomy after bowel surgery to remove a cancerous tumor

Question

A 45-year-old patient has a colostomy after bowel surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. Because a large segment of the bowel had to be removed, the surgeon informed the patient that the colostomy would most likely be permanent. The nurse was assigned to the patient on the second day of postoperative care. The surgeon has written orders for the nurse to remove the nasogastric tube and offer sips of water to the patient. The patient asks the nurse why the stool in the colostomy bag looks like mucus. He also wants to know if he will ever be able to eat “real food” again. How should the nurse respond?

Expert solution paper

This should emphasise the permanence of your colostomy as well as the impact it will have on your life.

Transcolonary colostomy: The colostomy has two holes and looks like a big stoma. The one that discharges stool is different from the one that merely releases mucus. To defend itself against the contents of a intestine, the colon generally produces a tiny amount of mucus. This mucus is produced during bowel motions and is usually unnoticed. A static part of a colon would keep producing mucus, that will drain into the ostomy via rectum and an*s, as is normal and expected, despite the colostomy.

You should inform him that, despite the surgery, he will be able to consume solid foods but will not be able to even go to the bathroom very frequently as before. When it comes to colostomy defecation, you must pay attention to your diet and avoid unpleasant odours and gases.

Feeding :-

1. Eggs, cabbage, broccoli, onions, salmon, beans, cheese, butter, soft drinks, and alcohol are all gas-producing foods to avoid.

2. Avoid foods like eggs, cauliflower, cheese, cabbage, onions, garlic, fish, milk products, and coffee that produce odours.