stoma care

Question 1

what is a stoma?

Answer 1

artificial opening on the abdomen to divert flow of faeces or urine into an external pouch located outside of the body

Question 2

what are the important things to look out for when patients have a stoma regarding medication?

Answer 2

-EC/MR capsules aren’t suitable, insufficient effect from the drug. Use forms with quick action: liquids capsules and uncoated or soluble tablets

Question 3

what symptoms might patients with a stoma have?

Answer 3

diarrhoea, constipation and GI irritation + bleeding

Question 4

what can cause diarrhoea in a patients with a stoma?

Answer 4

-sorbitol, magnesium antacids, iron in ileostomy

Question 5

what can cause constipation in a patients with a stoma?

Answer 5

opioids, calcium antacids, iron in colostomy

Question 6

what can cause GI irritation and bleeding in a patients with a stoma?

Answer 6

aspirin + NSAIDs

Question 7

what can directions and laxatives cause in patient with a stoma?

Answer 7

dehydration leading to hypokalaemia should switch to K-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements
-liquid forms potassium preferred to MR forms
-fluid and Na depletion can cause hypokalaemia leading to digoxin toxicity