Skin protection is a top priority
The skin of the elderly is thin, elastic and slow to heal. Once the skin around the stoma contacts the dropping, it is easy to appear red, swollen, ulcerated and even infected. The key to nursing is"Measure well and keep dry": The opening of the base plate of the stoma bag should be 1-2 mm larger than stoma itself. If it is too large, the dropping will soak the skin. If it is too small, the stoma mucosa will be rubbed.
Extended reading:《How Effective Are Ostomy Barrier Rings? Analysis and Insights》(What is the effect of the leak-proof ring around the stoma? Expand the analysis to provide practical insights and information.)
When replacing the chassis, the action should be light, warm water can be used to soften the glue first, do not pull hard. After cleaning, be sure to wait until the skin is completely dry before pasting a new chassis. If necessary, use ostomy skin care powder and protective film to add a barrier to the skin.
Replacement frequency and operation details
Many family members worry that frequent replacement will damage the skin, in fact, chassis leakage is the main cause of dermatitis. General recommendations:
- The one-piece ostomy bag is replaced every 1-3 days, and the two-piece chassis can be used for 3-5 days;
- Once you feel itching, odor or edge warping under the chassis, you should replace it immediately;
- There is less dropping on an empty stomach in the morning, which is the best time for replacement;
- Before replacement, all supplies should be prepared to avoid the elderly being exposed to the stoma for a long time and catching cold.
Dietary conditioning varies from person to person
Dietary requirements for colostomy and ileostomy are different. The dropping of the ileostomy is thin, so the elderly should pay more attention to water and electrolytes, and eat less celery, corn and other high-fiber foods that are easy to block. The colostomy is relatively loose, but the amount of gas-producing foods such as onions, beans and carbonated drinks should be appropriate to avoid embarrassment.
Elderly patients often have diabetes and hypertension, so it is better to consult an ostomy therapist or nutritionist when adjusting their diet, instead of copying the general recipes on the Internet.
Don't delay these abnormal signals.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible if the stoma is dark or pale, significantly retracted or protruding more than 3 cm, persistent bleeding, sudden cessation of dropping with abdominal distension and pain. The elderly are not sensitive to expression, and their families should take the initiative to observe and inquire.
Don't let the psychological burden overwhelm the elderly.
Many elderly people feel "smelly and inferior" after surgery, and gradually reduce social interaction or even refuse to eat. Family members should encourage the elderly to participate in mutual assistance activities for ostomy patients and choose concealed mini-ostomy bags to help them rebuild their confidence-while taking good care of their bodies, they should also take good care of their mood.