Chapter 11: Ostomy care
11.3 Summary
Having an ostomy whether it be a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy can be a life changing event. Nursing care includes attention to the physical care and recovery after surgery plus ongoing attention to emotional and psychological elements of holistic care. This chapter reviewed the nature of different types of ostomies and the care and maintenance involved in caring for these types of drainage systems.
Key Takeaways
- Know the type of ostomy and the nature of the drainage to be expected.
- Teaching the client about ostomy self care is a significant part of nursing care of clients with these devices.
- Care of clients with ostomies requires an holistic approach.
- Ostomy care is a specialized skill. This chapter provided a brief introduction only. Mastery takes years.
Suggested Online Resources
Ostomy Canada Society This is a resource for individuals and their families living with ostomies. The website contains up-to-date information on a variety of ostomy related topics.
References
Berman, A. J., & Snyder S. (2016). Skills in clinical nursing (8th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson.
Birmingham Bowel Clinic. (2011). Ileo-anal pouch procedure. Retrieved from http://www.birminghambowelclinic.co.uk/ileo-anal-pouch-procedure/.
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). (2015b). Clinical techniques. In, NURS 2020. Vancouver, BC: BCIT.
Convatech. (2018). Ostomy care video library. Retrieved from https://www.convatec.com/videos/ostomy-videos/.
Ostomy Canada Society. (n.d.). Passing gas with an ostomy. Retrieved from http://stolencolon.com/passing-gas-farting-ostomy/.
Oxford Radcliff Hospitals. (2013). Koch pouch operation information for patients. Retrieved from https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/101101kochpouch.pdf.
Perry, A. G., Potter, P. A., & Ostendorf, W. R. (2018). Clinical nursing skills and techniques (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier-Mosby.
RNAO (2019). Best Practice Guideline: Supporting Adults who live with or anticipate an ostomy. Second Edition. https://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/bpg/OSTOMY_FINAL_WEB_Updated_July_5.pdf
United Ostomy Association of America. (2017). Ileostomy guide. Retrieved from http://www.ostomy.org/uploaded/files/ostomy_info/IleostomyGuide.pdf?direct=1.
