MEDizzy - The nurse is assessing the colostomy of a client who has had

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Oncology

The nurse is assessing the colostomy of a client who has had an abdominal perineal resection for a bowel tumor. Which assessment finding indicates that the colostomy is beginning to function?

ExplanationFollowing abdominal perineal resection, the nurse would expect the colostomy to begin to function within 72 hours after surgery, although it may take up to 5 days. The nurse should assess for a return of peristalsis, listen for bowel sounds, and check for the passage of flatus. Absent bowel sounds would not indicate the return of peristalsis. The client would remain NPO (nothing by mouth) until bowel sounds return and the colostomy is functioning. Bloody drainage is not expected from a colostomy.