The nurse is caring for a client with a new colostomy. The stoma is red, moist, and raised. The nurse should do which action?

• A. Document as normal finding
• B. Notify surgeon immediately
• C. Apply barrier cream to skin around stoma
• D. Change ostomy appliance immediately

Answer: (A)

A healthy stoma usually looks pink to red, is moist, and may protrude slightly above the skin. When a colostomy is newly formed, some edema is common, and the tissue often appears raised yet well perfused. Seeing a red, moist, raised stoma indicates good blood flow and tissue viability, which is expected in the immediate post-op period. Therefore, you should document this as a normal finding and continue routine ostomy care, including keeping the surrounding skin clean and ensuring the appliance fits well to prevent leakage.

If the stoma were pale, dusky, dark, or dry, or there was heavy bleeding or no output, those would signal a problem requiring immediate evaluation. Barrier cream around the stoma is used to protect peri-stomal skin if irritation develops, and changing the appliance is done based on routine schedule or leakage, not just because the stoma looks healthy.