Ostomy Management Specialist (OMS) Certification Practice Exam

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How do you teach a patient to prevent pancaking?

Covering the filter with filter cover in pouch box

Using adhesive removers

Storing the pouch in a warm place

Filter of pouch eliminates all excess air, thus creating a vacuum of pouch walls onto the stoma mucosa

Pancaking happens when the pouch walls press against the stoma because gas inside the pouch creates a vacuum or suction effect. If the pouch isn’t vented, this negative pressure can pull the pouch tight to the stoma and to the skin, leading to leakage and skin irritation.

The filter in a vented pouch provides a controlled path for gas to escape, so internal pressure stays similar to ambient pressure and a vacuum cannot form. By teaching a patient to keep the filter unblocked and properly oriented, you’re ensuring air can vent out rather than build up, which prevents the pouch from suctioning onto the stoma.

That’s why this option is the best: it directly addresses the mechanism of pancaking by allowing gas to escape and preventing suction. Blocking the filter, or using removers, or storing the pouch in a warm place don’t address venting and won’t prevent pancaking.