Which characteristic describes an end stoma as used in practice?

• A. Two openings on the abdomen.
• B. A stoma with no openings.
• C. One opening.
• D. Three openings.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how many pathways meet the skin in an end stoma. An end stoma is formed by bringing the end of the bowel out to the abdominal surface, creating a single opening through which waste exits. The rest of the bowel distal to that end is typically removed or closed inside the abdomen, so there isn’t a second skin opening. That single opening is why this option is the best description. In a loop stoma, the bowel is brought to the surface and opened to form two separate openings for drainage, which is a different configuration. A stoma with no openings wouldn’t function, and three openings aren’t part of standard end stoma anatomy.