Stoma care Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is a stoma?
An artificial opening on the abdomen to divert faeces or urine into an external pouch. Stomas can be temporary or permanent.
What are the two most common types of stoma?
Colostomy (colon) and ileostomy (small intestine).
Why does prescribing medication for patients with a stoma require special care?
Because drug absorption may be altered, increasing the risk of sub-optimal absorption.
Enteric-coated and modified-release medicines are unsuitable for patients with an ileostomy as they may not release the active ingredient sufficiently.
Why should preparations containing sorbitol be used cautiously in stoma patients?
Sorbitol can have a laxative effect.
What effect can opioid analgesics have on colostomy patients?
They may cause constipation.
What risk is associated with aspirin and NSAIDs in stoma patients?
Gastric irritation and bleeding; faecal output should be checked for blood.
How do calcium-containing antacids affect stoma patients?
They can cause constipation.
What effect can magnesium-containing antacids have, especially in ileostomy patients?
They can cause osmotic diarrhoea.
What do loperamide and codeine do in ileostomy patients?
Reduce intestinal motility and decrease water and sodium output.
What electrolyte imbalance is common in stoma patients and why is it important?
Hypokalaemia, which may increase sensitivity to digoxin.
What precaution should be taken with diuretics in stoma patients?
They may cause excessive dehydration and potassium depletion; potassium-sparing diuretics may be preferred.
How do iron preparations affect colostomy and ileostomy patients differently?
Cause diarrhoea in ileostomy and constipation in colostomy patients; stools may appear black.
Which type of laxative may benefit colostomy patients?
Bulk-forming laxatives and stool softeners.
