CHANGING AN OSTOMY BAG
An ostomy is a surgical opening to allow stool or urine to leave the body. A stoma is an opening in the abdomen.
Ostomy and stoma are interchangeable words. Ostomies can be temporary or permanent.
Supplies Needed to Change Most Common Types of Ostomies
an Ostomy Pouch
Pouching Gauze Stoma-measuring Stoma
system guide paste
Colostomy Ileostomy Urostomy
Pre-procedure Steps to Change an Ostomy Pouch
1. Wash or sanitize hands upon entering room. 1 Measure the stoma with the stoma measuring guide.
2. Provide privacy. 2 For a one-piece pouch, select the size that matches
3. Explain the procedure. the stoma. For a two-piece pouch, cut a hole slighty
bigger than the stoma size into the adhesive back.
4. Raise the bed to an appropriate height.
3 Gently wipe the stoma and wash the peristomal skin
5. Assist the client to the correct position. with wet gauze and allow it to dry. Place a dry piece
6. Perform hand hygiene, again. of gauze over stoma to prevent release of contents
onto skin.
7. Put on gloves.
4 Apply the stoma paste if indicated.
8. Empty contents of ostomy pouch and dispose
according to facility policy. 5 Apply the one-piece ostomy pouch system, or apply
the adhesive back of the two-piece system followed
9. Remove the old or soiled ostomy (note: some facilities
by application of the pouch to the adhesive back.
will require this to go in a biohazard red bag and others
will allow it to go into regular waste). 6 Ensure the ostomy closure clamp is applied and secure.
7 Document reason for ostomy change, condition of skin,
and client teaching or participation in procedure.
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5 6 7
NOTES
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