Which of the following describes an abnormal stoma appearance?

Which of the following describes an abnormal stoma appearance?

• A. Blue/gray/black color, bleeding, retracted or prolapsed; skin around stoma red/warm
• B. Pink and dry with intact skin
• C. Red and shiny
• D. Clear and normal looking

Answer: (A)

Stoma assessment hinges on recognizing when tissue signals trouble. Abnormal appearance includes color changes that mean the blood supply is compromised—blue, gray, or black tissue can indicate ischemia or necrosis and needs immediate evaluation. Bleeding from the stoma tissue is not normal and points to trauma or tissue injury. If the stoma retracts, sinking below the skin, or prolapses, protrudes too far, it can cause problems with function and protection of the skin. Surrounding skin that is red and warm suggests irritation or infection, which also requires attention. In contrast, a healthy stoma is moist and pink to red, typically protruding slightly above the skin, with surrounding skin that is intact and not irritated. So the described signs in the scenario—color changes to dark hues, bleeding, retraction or prolapse, and warm, red surrounding skin—reflect an abnormal appearance and warrant prompt assessment.

Stoma assessment hinges on recognizing when tissue signals trouble. Abnormal appearance includes color changes that mean the blood supply is compromised—blue, gray, or black tissue can indicate ischemia or necrosis and needs immediate evaluation. Bleeding from the stoma tissue is not normal and points to trauma or tissue injury. If the stoma retracts, sinking below the skin, or prolapses, protrudes too far, it can cause problems with function and protection of the skin. Surrounding skin that is red and warm suggests irritation or infection, which also requires attention.

In contrast, a healthy stoma is moist and pink to red, typically protruding slightly above the skin, with surrounding skin that is intact and not irritated. So the described signs in the scenario—color changes to dark hues, bleeding, retraction or prolapse, and warm, red surrounding skin—reflect an abnormal appearance and warrant prompt assessment.