Explain the purposes for colostomy irrigation.
Answer
A colostomy irrigation is similar to an enema. The nurse irrigates colostomies because of constipation and postoperatively for stomas. Stomas found in the descending colon and sigmoid colon are the ones needing greater care. When irrigating a descending colon or sigmoid colon colostomy, the goal is to train the bowel to evacuate at the same time each day. Keep in mind that this should be done about an hour after eating breakfast. It may be possible to train the bowel to evacuate each day after breakfast. Peristalsis would have been stimulated by eating breakfast, so that peristaltic wave could continue to work until the stool has been excreted. Those able to train their colostomy are able to wear just a stoma cap rather than a pouch for the rest of the day. Therefore, the patient has a greater sense of control.
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