Which of the following describes a characteristic feature of alkaline encrustations on urinary stomas?

• A. Painless skin irritation
• B. Low urine pH
• C. Crystal-like formations
• D. Normal pouch output

Answer: (C)

Alkaline encrustations form crystal-like mineral deposits. When urine is alkaline, often due to urease-producing bacteria that split urea into ammonia, minerals in the urine precipitate and crystallize as substances like struvite and carbonate apatite. These crystals adhere to the stomal skin or to the inner surface of the appliance, creating visible crystal-like crusts. This crystalline texture distinguishes them from simple irritation or smoothed skin issues and from scenarios with normal pouch output or low urine pH. So the hallmark description is crystal-like formations that indicate mineral encrustations rather than other non-crystal problems.