Welcome to JCN’s learning zone. By reading the article in each issue, you can learn all about the key principles of subjects that are vital to your role as a community nurse. Once you have read the article, visit www.jcn.co.uk/learning-zone/ to evaluate your knowledge on this topic by answering the 10 questions in the e-learning unit; all answers can be found in the article. If you answer the questions correctly, you can download your certificate, which can be used in your continuing professional development (CPD) portfolio as evidence of your continued learning.
For the person with a stoma such as a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy, the invasive nature of the procedure means that there can be complications such as poor stomal output, sore skin around the stoma or malodorous urine. An assessment is necessary to establish the cause of the problem, as this will provide information needed to choose the appropriate treatment. This article will discuss a variety of complications that can occur for the person with a stoma, as well as discussing the presentation, assessment, treatment options and how community nurses can ensure that any treatment continues to be effective into the future.
Community nurses are frequently involved in the care of patients after they are discharged from hospital, including many who have undergone stoma-forming surgery. There is evidence that it takes some time to adjust to life with a stoma, with much of this adjustment occurring in the first three months following surgery. During this period, nurses can use their skills to resolve any
problems that might occur, helping patients to adapt and improve their quality of life. If community nurses cannot resolve any issues patients may have with their stomas, referral to a specialist such as the local stoma specialist nurse, might be necessary.
Jennie Burch, Enhanced Recovery Nurse, St Marks Hospital, Surgery, Harrow, Middlesex
Natalie Steele summarises three case studies using Trio NiltacTM sting free medical adhesive remover and Trio SilesseTM sting free skin barrier for urostomates
Natalie Steele, RGN, Urology Nurse and Bladder Reconstruction Nurse Specialist, Urology Department, St James University Hospital Leeds UK.
Article commissioned by Trio Healthcare Ltd.
For further information please contact Bullen Healthcare – FREEPHONE 0800 888 501. All products are available on FP10 from dispensing appliance contractors and pharmacies.
Jennie Burch discusses stomas and the reasons for their formation.
Jennie Burch RN, MSc, BSc is an Enhanced Recovery Nurse Facilitator, St Marks Hospital, Middlesex
Article accepted for publication: March 2011
Pat Black discusses some of the modern stoma appliances available and offers a guide to choosing the correct appliance for the patient with a bowel or bladder stoma.
Pat Black Consultant Nurse, Coloproctology, The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust. Honorary Senior Lecturer, Buckinghamshire New University.
Article accepted for publication: July 2011
