The nurse is preparing to care for a newborn infant following creation of a colostomy for the treatment of imperforate anus. In the immediate postoperative period, the nurse plans to inspect the stoma, knowing that it is expected to be:

Question

1. Bleeding
2. Gray in color
3. Dark blue in color
4. Red and edematous

Answer 1

4

Rationale: A fresh colostomy stoma will be red and edematous, but this will decrease with time. The colostomy site will then be pink, without evidence of abnormal drainage, swelling, or skin breakdown. The colostomy should not be bleeding. A gray or dark blue stoma indicates insuffi-cient circulation and should be reported to the physician immediately.