COCN key terms

A structured check of the stoma's color, moisture, size, shape, and the skin around it, performed at each pouch change to catch poor blood flow, injury, or size changes early.

Whether a stoma has enough blood flow to survive, judged by its color, warmth, and how quickly it pinks up after gentle pressure. Dusky, blue, or black tissue needs urgent surgical notification.

Examining the skin within a few inches of the stoma for redness, erosion, rash, or moisture damage, and recording what is found so the pouching plan and product choices can be adjusted.

The material a stoma puts out: formed or liquid stool, or urine. Its amount, thickness, and odor help the nurse judge bowel recovery, hydration risk, and whether the pouching system is appropriate.

A bulge beside the stoma caused by intestine pushing through the abdominal wall opening. It may make pouching difficult or cause discomfort and is managed with support, fitting changes, or surgery.

A gap where the stoma tissue pulls away from the surrounding skin, leaving an open wound. The area is filled and protected while it heals, and the pouching system must avoid pressure on the defect.

Monitoring intake, output, weight, urine color, and signs such as thirst or dizziness in a person with a high-output ostomy, because losses of water, sodium, and potassium can become serious quickly.

Exploring the patient's feelings about body image, relationships, work, and coping before and after ostomy surgery, so distress can be identified and support offered rather than assumed.

Choosing and marking a stoma location on the abdomen before surgery, avoiding creases, scars, bony areas, and the belt line, with the patient viewed lying, sitting, and standing.

Swelling of a new stoma that peaks in the first days after surgery and then shrinks. It means the barrier opening must be rechecked often so it neither pinches nor leaves a gap.

The weeks-long healing process in which a new stoma shrinks and settles into its final size and shape, usually over six to eight weeks, changing which pouching products fit best.

Resumption of movement in the intestines after surgery, shown by passing flatus or stool and less nausea. It guides when diet is advanced and when ostomy output is expected.

A temporary slowing or stopping of bowel activity after surgery that causes nausea, bloating, and little or no ostomy output. It is managed with bowel rest, fluids, and time.

An opening made from the small intestine through the abdominal wall. Output is liquid to pasty and constant, so the person is at risk for dehydration and needs a drainable pouch.

An opening made from the colon through the abdominal wall. Output is usually semiformed or formed and may be predictable enough for a closed pouch or irrigation.

A urinary diversion, often an ileal conduit, in which urine drains continuously through a stoma on the abdomen. A pouch with a one-way valve is worn to protect the skin.

A stoma built by lifting a loop of bowel to the skin, often over a temporary rod. It usually has two openings and is commonly created as a temporary diversion.

The adhesive disc that sticks to the skin around the stoma and protects it from stool or urine. Its opening size and flexibility largely determine comfort and leak prevention.

The firm ring built into a pouching system where the pouch attaches to the barrier or to the body. Coupling a pouch to a flange creates the seal in two-piece systems.

A barrier shaped to curve inward toward the stoma, pushing gently on the skin around it. It helps with flush or retracted stomas but must be used carefully to avoid pressure injury.

A moldable ring of pliable material placed at the stoma base, under the barrier, to fill dips and gaps and seal the area where leaks commonly start.

A method of healing weepy peristomal skin by dusting stoma powder on the moist area, sealing it with barrier film, and repeating in layers before applying the pouch.

A pouch with an opening at the bottom that is emptied and resealed with a clamp or built-in closure. It is used when output is liquid or frequent, as with ileostomies.

A pouch designed for urine, with a one-way valve at the bottom and a tap for emptying. It can connect to a larger night bag so urine does not sit against the stoma overnight.

A system in which the skin barrier and the pouch are separate and lock together. The pouch can be changed without removing the barrier, which may reduce skin irritation.

An adjustable belt that clips to the barrier flange and circles the waist. It adds security and gentle pressure and is often used with convexity or by active patients.

How long a pouching system stays on the skin before it is changed. It is set by the person's output, skin condition, and product type, and should be long enough to protect skin.

Skin breakdown caused by stool or urine sitting against the skin, appearing red, raw, or weepy. It is prevented with a well-fitting barrier and an appropriate wear time.

A yeast infection of the skin around the stoma, usually itchy and red with tiny satellite spots at the edges. It thrives under a leaking pouch and is treated with antifungal products.

A tool that rates peristomal skin by Discoloration, Erosion, and Tissue overgrowth, each scored from zero to two and added for a total. Higher totals signal more damage and guide decisions.

Teaching before surgery about what a stoma is, how it will look and work, and how a pouching system is worn. It reduces shock and improves later self-care.

Asking the patient to explain or show in their own words how to change the pouch or solve a problem. It confirms real understanding instead of assuming that information was absorbed.

A scheduled bowel-management routine in which lukewarm water is gently instilled through the stoma to produce a predictable movement. Only selected colostomates are suitable candidates.

Guidance on eating with an ostomy, such as chewing well, adding fiber slowly, drinking enough fluid, and testing gas-producing foods one at a time.

A gathering of people living with ostomies, often with a trained visitor, where practical tips and emotional support are shared. It reduces isolation and builds confidence.

Distress about how the body looks and feels after ostomy surgery, including shame, avoidance of intimacy, or feeling unattractive. It is common, treatable, and worth asking about directly.

Discussing how surgery may affect desire, arousal, erections, fertility, and comfort during sex, and offering practical suggestions and referral so intimacy questions are not left unanswered.

The process of adapting emotionally and practically to life with a stoma, moving from shock or grief toward acceptance and confident self-care. It varies in pace and can be supported.