In evaluating stoma necrosis, which practice is recommended to monitor tissue viability?

• A. Frequent assessment
• B. Immediate surgical exploration
• C. High-fat diet
• D. Antibiotic therapy

Answer: (A)

Regular, frequent assessment of the stoma is essential because tissue viability can change quickly after creation. By routinely inspecting color, moisture, and perfusion (for example, a healthy stoma is typically pink or brick-red and moist), you can detect early signs of ischemia or necrosis before they progress. Monitoring also includes noting any changes in the surrounding skin, edema, warmth or coolness, and how well an appliance fits, since constriction or poor fit can jeopardize blood flow. If you observe a dusky, pale, or dark stoma, delayed capillary refill, increasing firmness or pain, or signs of infection, escalate promptly. This ongoing check guides timely interventions to protect tissue viability, such as adjusting the appliance, ensuring adequate perfusion, or seeking surgical assessment when necessary.

The other options don’t support monitoring tissue viability: immediate surgical exploration is reserved for clear, advanced concerns rather than routine monitoring; a high-fat diet has no role in assessing or preserving stoma tissue; antibiotic therapy addresses infection, not ongoing viability monitoring.