Purpose: To provide registered nurses with information to help them better care for patients with ostomies.

Objectives:

1. Differentiate types of ostomies.
2. Discuss care of an ostomy, including how to choose the correct pouching system.
3. Recall at least three ostomy complications.
4. List pre-discharge patient education topics for those with an ostomy.

Description: New ostomy patients have a lot to learn in a short time. Make sure you’re up-to-date on ostomy care, so you can teach them the survival skills they need to go home again.

Read the article [PDF], then click on the link below to take the test.

Author

Goranka Paula Bak, BSN, RN, ET, CWOCN, is an Ostomy Sales Territory Manager for Coloplast Corporation.

1.6 contact hours provided by ANA.

The American Nurses Association Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

ANA is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider number CEP6178.

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