Basic Care and ComfortQuestion 416 of 2368

The nurse is cutting the barrier of an ostomy appliance after measuring the stoma. What size should the opening be?

  1. Exactly the same size as the stoma
  2. About 1 cm larger than the stoma
  3. About 2 cm larger than the stoma
  4. About 2 mm larger than the stoma
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Correct answer: About 2 mm larger than the stoma

A snug opening, about 2 mm larger, protects the skin from leaking waste without pressing on the stoma.

Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Facilitation of Elimination: MANAGING OSTOMIES. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Basic Care and Comfort"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026