Which process involves changing, emptying and cleaning the ostomy pouch to keep it free of bacteria?

• A. Ostomy cleaning
• B. Colostomy care
• C. Wound care
• D. Catheter care

Answer: (B)

Caring for a colostomy involves managing the ostomy pouch to prevent infection and irritation. When you change, empty, and clean the pouch, you’re doing the everyday tasks that keep the appliance functioning and the surrounding skin healthy. This includes draining the pouch when it’s sufficiently full, removing and cleaning or replacing the pouching system as needed, and cleaning the skin around the stoma before applying a new barrier. The goal is to minimize contact with bacteria, reduce odor, and protect the skin from drainage. Wound care focuses on wounds, not ostomies; catheter care targets urinary devices; while ostomy cleaning can be part of the overall process, the broader and most accurate category for these tasks is colostomy care.