What is the priority assessment for a patient with a new ostomy?

The priority assessment for a patient with a new ostomy is the assessment of the stoma color and integrity. This is crucial because the stoma, which is the external opening for waste disposal, can provide important indicators of the patient’s immediate health status. A healthy stoma should appear pink or red, indicating good blood supply and proper healing. If the stoma is pale, purple, or black, it may indicate poor blood circulation or necrosis, which requires prompt intervention.

While assessing bowel sounds and skin integrity around the stoma are also important, the stoma’s condition reflects the immediate viability of the colon or intestine that has been surgically brought to the surface, making it the top priority. Urinary output assessment, while necessary in many cases, does not pertain directly to a new ostomy unless it is a urostomy, further demonstrating why focusing on the stoma’s appearance and condition is the most critical first step in care.