Nursing assessment for colorectal cancer - Rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, sense of incomplete

evacuation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, cachexia, family history of cancer, history of
polyps

Nursing plans and interventions for colorectal cancer - Prepare client for surgery; prepare client for
bowel preparation; provide high calorie, high protein diet; prevention of constipation with high fiber
diet; early detection by screening with hemoccult tests

Rectal bleeding - Early sign of colon cancer

Stoma - The more distal this is, the greater the chance for continence; the lower this is located, the more
solid, or formed is the effluence

Stoma in the sigmoid colon on the left side of the abdomen - The greatest chance for continence with a
stoma

Ileostomy - Drains liquid material

Peristomal skin - Skin that is often prone to break down

Pouch care - Adhesive backed opening, designed to cover the stoma, should provide about 1/8 inch
clearance from the stoma; rubber band or clip is used to secure the bottom of the pouch and prevent
leakage; use a squirt bottle to remove effulent from the sides of the bag; pouch system is changed every
3-7 days; pouch should be emptied when 1/3 to ½ full

Irrigation of a colostomy - Those with descending-colon colostomies can do this to provide control over
effluence; should do this at the same time each day with warm water; the area around the stoma should
be cleaned with lukewarm water and a mild soap