If a patient's stoma protrudes and a barrier can be molded to contour the skin, which barrier type is most appropriate?

• A. Extended wear barrier
• B. Moldable barrier
• C. Flat barrier
• D. Pre-cut barrier

Answer: (B)

When a stoma protrudes, you need a barrier that can adapt to the skin’s irregular shape around the stoma. A moldable barrier can be warmed or softened and then molded to contour precisely to the skin, filling in gaps created by the protruding stoma. This ensures a snug, seal-worthy fit that helps prevent leakage and protects the peristomal skin. The other barrier types don’t offer this contouring ability: an extended wear barrier focuses on wear time rather than shaping around the skin; a flat barrier has limited or no ability to contour; a pre-cut barrier is rigid and may not conform well to irregular skin surfaces around a protruding stoma.