CE: Nursing Care for Patients After Ostomy Surgery.

When patients who undergo ostomy surgery do not have access to an ostomy care nurse, staff nurses must assume responsibility for providing ostomy care and educational support. However, many staff nurses may lack the necessary knowledge and skills to provide this type of care. This article details the basics of pre- and postoperative care and patient education for nurses who encounter patients with two of the most common types of ostomy surgery of the bowel: colostomy and ileostomy. It covers the care of a new stoma and provides information about emptying and changing the pouch, nutritional and lifestyle considerations, and possible complications.