Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

If a patient’s stoma is ischemic, how would it likely appear?

1. Bright red and moist.

2. Pale and dry.

3. Dark green and swollen.

4. Red and shiny.

The correct answer is: Pale and dry.

An ischemic stoma would typically appear pale and dry due to a lack of sufficient blood flow, which is essential for maintaining tissue health and vitality. In this condition, the reduced blood supply leads to an inadequate oxygenation of the tissue, causing it to lose its vibrant color. The pallor indicates impaired circulation, while dryness suggests that the necessary moisture is not present, often as a result of poor perfusion to the area. In contrast, a bright red and moist stoma indicates healthy circulation, while a red and shiny appearance is suggestive of well-perfused and healthy tissue as well. Dark green and swollen would not typically describe an ischemic stoma but could indicate necrosis or other complications instead of just poor blood flow. Understanding the appearance of stomas and their varying states of health is critical for assessing patient outcomes post-surgery or as part of ongoing care.