Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

What should the nurse advise regarding the expected output from an ileostomy?

1. It will be solid stool.

2. It will be liquid to semi-solid output.

3. It will not produce any output initially.

4. It will produce gas only.

The correct answer is: It will be liquid to semi-solid output.

The expected output from an ileostomy typically presents as liquid to semi-solid due to the nature of the small intestine's secretion. An ileostomy is an opening created in the abdominal wall, diverting the contents of the small intestine directly out of the body, bypassing the colon. The output is often more liquid because the waste material has not had the opportunity to undergo the usual process of water absorption that occurs in the colon. With an ileostomy, the patient may experience more frequent output as the ileum is still processing digestive contents without the further drying that occurs in the colon. The output consistency can vary based on several factors, including diet and hydration levels, but it generally remains liquid to semi-solid rather than solid. By understanding this process, nurses can provide appropriate guidance and education to patients with ileostomies, helping them manage their expectations and care effectively.