Which statement reflects the intention behind effective colostomy care?

Encouraging patient self-care is essential in effective colostomy care for several reasons. When patients are empowered to manage their own colostomy, they gain a sense of control over their lives and body, which can enhance their confidence and improve their overall well-being. Self-care education is crucial as it ensures that patients understand how to properly care for their colostomy, recognize signs of complications, and maintain hygiene.

Promoting self-care helps patients develop skills to deal with everyday challenges they might face post-surgery, fostering independence. Additionally, appropriate self-care can prevent complications such as skin irritation and infections, ensuring that the colostomy functions effectively and the patient remains healthy.

In contrast, minimizing patient education, allowing odors to go unchecked, or inspecting the stoma only occasionally would not support the goal of effective colostomy care and could lead to negative health outcomes, a lack of confidence, or diminished quality of life for the patient.