A nurse is caring for a postoperative client and observes evisceration of the abdominal surgical wound. After covering the wound with a sterile, saline-soaked dressing, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Apply the skin sealant on damp skin. Rationale: Applying skin sealant on damp skin is not the recommended approach for securing an ostomy appliance. It's important to ensure that the skin is clean and dry before applying the sealant or the skin barrier. Moisture can compromise adhesion and lead to skin irritation or appliance detachment.

Choice B rationale:

Remove the appliance before emptying the pouch. Rationale: Removing the appliance before emptying the pouch is not a necessary step when changing an ostomy appliance. Typically, the pouch can be emptied without removing the entire appliance, which helps maintain the seal and reduces unnecessary skin exposure.

Choice C rationale:

Ensure that the skin is slightly damp for better adhesion of the pouch. Rationale: Ensuring that the skin is slightly damp is not advisable for better adhesion of the pouch. The skin should be completely dry before applying the pouch to ensure proper adhesion. Moisture on the skin can lead to leakage or detachment of the appliance.

Choice D rationale:

Trace the size of stoma onto the skin barrier. Rationale: This choice is the correct answer because tracing the size of the stoma onto the skin barrier ensures a precise fit, which is crucial for preventing leaks and maintaining the integrity of the ostomy. A proper fit also helps in preventing skin irritation and discomfort. Choosing the correct barrier size based on the stoma's dimensions is a key aspect of effective ostomy care.

Choice A rationale:

Measuring the amount of aspirate in the NG tube is one way to verify the placement of the tube. Aspirate should be tested for color, pH, and other characteristics to ensure proper positioning.

Choice B rationale:

Flushing the tube with tap water doesn't directly verify tube placement. This action might inadvertently introduce air into the tube, potentially leading to inaccurate assessment results.

Choice C rationale:

Examining the color of aspirated secretions is an essential step in verifying tube placement. Different colors of aspirate can indicate different anatomical locations, helping to ensure the tube is properly positioned.

Choice D rationale:

Measuring the pH of the client's aspirate is another important method to verify NG tube placement. Gastric aspirate tends to be acidic, while respiratory aspirate is usually more alkaline.

Choice E rationale:

Obtaining an x-ray of the client's chest and abdomen is a definitive method for confirming NG tube placement. It provides direct visualization of the tube's location and ensures accuracy.