Which sign indicates a healthy stoma following a colostomy?

Which sign indicates a healthy stoma following a colostomy?

• A. The stoma is dark and bluish.
• B. The stoma bleeds slightly when touched.
• C. The stoma is swollen and painful.
• D. The stoma is dry and pale.

Answer: (B)

A healthy stoma following a colostomy typically has a pink or red color, similar to the inside of the mouth, indicating good blood supply. Among the options provided, bleeding slightly when touched can indicate that the stoma is vascular and healthy; minor bleeding is considered normal due to the rich blood supply in the stoma tissue. While slight bleeding may occur, it is important to monitor it, as excessive or continuous bleeding would necessitate further evaluation. Other signs of a healthy stoma would include a moist surface and the absence of significant swelling or pain. Conditions such as a dark or bluish stoma would suggest compromised blood flow or ischemia, and a swollen, painful stoma may indicate infection or necrosis. A dry and pale stoma is also a cause for concern, as it may signal dehydration or lack of blood supply. Hence, slight bleeding upon touch may be seen as a positive indicator of a functioning stoma under the right conditions.

A healthy stoma following a colostomy typically has a pink or red color, similar to the inside of the mouth, indicating good blood supply. Among the options provided, bleeding slightly when touched can indicate that the stoma is vascular and healthy; minor bleeding is considered normal due to the rich blood supply in the stoma tissue.

While slight bleeding may occur, it is important to monitor it, as excessive or continuous bleeding would necessitate further evaluation. Other signs of a healthy stoma would include a moist surface and the absence of significant swelling or pain. Conditions such as a dark or bluish stoma would suggest compromised blood flow or ischemia, and a swollen, painful stoma may indicate infection or necrosis. A dry and pale stoma is also a cause for concern, as it may signal dehydration or lack of blood supply. Hence, slight bleeding upon touch may be seen as a positive indicator of a functioning stoma under the right conditions.