Your patient is supposed to get a tap water enema. What medical diagnosis would NOT qualify him for this procedure?

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale: A pale blue stoma indicates compromised perfusion or necrosis. This is a surgical emergency requiring immediate assessment to prevent tissue death and systemic complications.

Choice B rationale: Continuous drainage may reflect normal output depending on stoma type. It’s not immediately life-threatening and doesn’t require urgent intervention.

Choice C rationale: Fecal contamination is expected with colostomies. While hygiene is important, this does not indicate a critical issue needing priority care.

Choice D rationale: A beefy red, moist stoma is the expected healthy appearance of a functioning colostomy. No intervention is needed.

Choice A This range of bowel sounds is considered normal. Hyperactive bowel sounds refer to an increased frequency and intensity of bowel sounds, exceeding the upper limit of the normal range.

Choice B Bowel sounds less than the normal range might indicate decreased bowel motility but are not associated with hyperactive bowel sounds.

Choice C Absent bowel sounds would be concerning and may indicate an ileus or other gastrointestinal issue, but it is not associated with hyperactive bowel sounds.

Choice D Hyperactive bowel sounds are characterized by an increased frequency and intensity of bowel sounds, exceeding the normal range, and are likely to be documented in a patient with abdominal pain.