Which of the following assessments indicates potential complications from an ileostomy?

The presence of changes in stoma color is an important assessment to evaluate potential complications from an ileostomy. A healthy stoma typically appears pink or red, indicating good blood supply and proper functioning. Changes in color, such as pallor, darkening (purple or black), or a general change to a grayish hue, can signify issues such as ischemia or necrosis, which indicate that the blood flow to the stoma is compromised. This may lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly.

In contrast, development of diarrhea may occur post-surgery due to changes in the digestive process, but it is not necessarily indicative of a direct complication related to the ileostomy itself. Stoma edema can also occur as a normal post-surgical response but is usually temporary and not a direct indicator of complications. A decreased appetite may be related to several factors such as surgery-related stress, but it does not directly reflect any complications associated with the stoma itself and is therefore less critical in this context.