The client uses a two-piece pouch for a colostomy. Which does the nurse implement to empty the colostomy bag?

Question

1. Removes the pouch and leaves the skin barrier in place
2. Removes and disposes of the pouch and the skin barrier
3. Drains pouch, flushes it warm water, and closes the end
4. Drains pouch, washes skin barrier, and replaces the pouch

Answer 1

1
1 and 2. The nurse removes the pouch and leaves the skin barrier intact to empty a two-piece colostomy bag because this ostomy system has two separate pieces. The skin barrier protects the periostomal skin and the pouch attaches to the skin barrier. The nurse leaves the skin barrier is place as long as it effectively protects the peris-tomal skin and uses components of the system from the same manufacturer.
3. The nurse disposes of the pouch and applies a fresh pouch after assessing and pro-viding care for the stoma.
4. The nurse does not clean the skin barrier because the pouch does not adhere to a wet surface; however, if the skin barrier becomes an ineffective protector of the pe-ristomal area and barrier to leakage, the nurse changes the skin barrier.