RN Exam Practice
Psychosocial IntegrityQuestion 417 of 2368

A client with a new colostomy says, "I feel disgusted by my body and I do not want anyone to see it." Which action by the nurse is MOST helpful?

  1. Refer the client to a wound/ostomy nurse, a social worker, and support groups
  2. Tell the client that the feelings will go away within a week
  3. Avoid discussing the ostomy until the client is discharged
  4. Change the appliance quickly without speaking to the client
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Correct answer: Refer the client to a wound/ostomy nurse, a social worker, and support groups

Ostomy often affects body image. Referrals to specialists and support groups promote healthy coping, and the nurse must not show disgust.

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

Practice the topic "Psychosocial Integrity"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026