During the acknowledgement phase, which action may help the patient?

• A. Maintaining ostomy support group visits
• B. Focusing only on wound care
• C. Having another ostomate visit with patient; ostomy support groups
• D. Ignoring the patient's emotional needs

Answer: (C)

During the acknowledgment phase, the patient is beginning to accept the ostomy and needs emotional validation and relatable guidance. Having another person who has lived with an ostomy visit the patient provides real-world insight, reduces feelings of isolation, and offers practical tips from someone who truly understands the experience. This peer connection helps normalize concerns about body image, daily routines, and future plans, making the emotional transition feel more manageable and giving the patient concrete steps to take. Ongoing ostomy support group visits can be helpful too, but a direct encounter with a fellow ostomate during this phase most directly addresses the emotional needs and early adjustment. Focusing only on wound care ignores the emotional aspect, and ignoring emotional needs is counterproductive to adaptation.