Saunders Gastrointestinal Practice Test

Purple discoloration of the stoma is concerning as it indicates compromised blood supply to the area, which could lead to necrosis of the stoma tissue. A healthy stoma should appear beefy red and shiny, reflecting good blood flow and health of the tissue. When a stoma appears purple or dusky, it signifies that the tissue may not be receiving adequate oxygenation, raising the risk of tissue death. This situation demands immediate attention from a healthcare provider to assess the potential need for intervention to restore blood flow or to consider further management of the stoma to prevent serious complications.

In contrast, a beefy red and shiny stoma is an expected finding indicating good perfusion, while skin excoriation around the stoma, though problematic, can often be managed through proper skin care practices. Semi-formed stool in the ostomy pouch is also normal for a transverse colostomy, which typically produces more formed stools than other types of colostomies.