A stoma with long protrusion carries what risk?

• A. Increased stoma output
• B. Long protrusion injury risk
• C. Decreased self-image
• D. More skin irritation only

Answer: (B)

Long protrusion means the stoma sticks out further from the abdomen, so it is more exposed to external contact. This makes it more likely to be bumped, snagged, or pressed by clothing, belts, or objects, which can injure the delicate stoma tissue or the surrounding skin and potentially cause bleeding or dermatitis if the seal is disturbed. Because of this increased exposure, the risk of stoma injury is higher with a long protrusion. Increased output or self-image issues aren’t directly driven by how far the stoma protrudes, and while skin irritation can occur, the specific risk linked to long protrusion is tissue injury from trauma.