Which of the following describes a necrotic stoma?

• A. Pink and moist.
• B. Warm to touch.
• C. Black, bluish, or deep purple.
• D. Soft and pliable.

Answer: (C)

Necrosis means the stoma tissue has died from lack of blood supply. The most telling sign is color: a stoma that is black, bluish, or deep purple indicates nonviable tissue. Healthy stoma tissue, by contrast, is pink to red and moist, showing good perfusion. A stoma that feels warm to touch suggests adequate blood flow, whereas necrotic tissue often appears dark and nonviable. Soft and pliable tissue aligns with normal, viable tissue, not dead tissue. When a necrotic stoma is suspected, urgent clinical evaluation is needed to assess blood flow, protect surrounding skin, and determine appropriate management.