Lesson 1Peristomal skin assessment: irritant vs allergic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, candidiasis, maceration, excoriationLooks at step-by-step peristomal skin checks, telling apart irritant and allergic dermatitis, spotting contact dermatitis, candidiasis, maceration, and excoriation, and connecting findings to causes, prevention, and treatment choices.
Baseline inspection and palpation of peristomal skinFeatures of irritant versus allergic dermatitisRecognizing contact dermatitis from adhesivesIdentifying candidiasis and moisture-associated damageAssessment of maceration, erosion, and excoriationLesson 2Managing high-output and semi-liquid effluent: pouch choice, anti-diarrheal strategies, fluid/electrolyte considerationsDeals with checking and handling high-output and semi-liquid effluent, covering pouch options, extras, anti-diarrhoeal plans, diet, and watching fluids and salts to avoid dehydration and kidney problems.
Defining and monitoring high-output stomasPouch and accessory choices for liquid effluentDietary and pharmacologic antidiarrheal measuresFluid, electrolyte, and renal status monitoringEscalation criteria and when to involve providersLesson 3Documentation and photographic monitoring: standardised descriptors and measurement techniquesFocuses on proper record-keeping and photo monitoring of stomas and peristomal skin, using standard terms, measuring methods, consent, privacy, and comparing over time to track healing or worsening.
Standardized terminology for stoma descriptionMeasuring stoma size, height, and locationPhotographic technique and patient consentSecure storage and privacy considerationsUsing serial photos to track progressionLesson 4Anatomy and physiology of stomas: types, location, and expected outputsGoes over stoma anatomy and physiology, including gut and bladder stoma types, usual spots, building methods, and normal effluent traits, linking to appliance choice and complication risks.
Intestinal segments used for stoma creationTypical locations for colostomy, ileostomy, urostomyStoma structure: lumen, mucosa, and spout heightExpected effluent volume and consistency by typePhysiologic changes after diversion surgeryLesson 5Infection prevention and safe technique during appliance changes: sterile vs clean technique, hand hygiene, waste disposalLooks into stopping infections during pouch changes, comparing sterile and clean methods, stressing hand washing, safe waste handling, room controls, and ways to cut cross-contamination in different care spots.
Indications for sterile versus clean techniqueHand hygiene and glove use for ostomy carePreparing a clean, low-contamination work areaSafe disposal of used pouches and suppliesReducing cross-contamination between body sitesLesson 6Postoperative stoma assessment: colour, perfusion, prolapse, retraction, mucocutaneous separationCovers organised post-op stoma checks, including colour, blood flow, swelling, bleeding, prolapse, retraction, and mucocutaneous separation, with early spotting of poor blood supply and urgent referral rules.
Immediate postoperative stoma inspection stepsAssessing color, turgor, and perfusionRecognizing prolapse and retraction changesIdentifying mucocutaneous separationUrgent findings requiring rapid escalationLesson 7Accessories and skin protection: barriers, paste, rings, strips, skin protectant films and powders, adhesive removersDetails using extras and skin protection items, like barriers, pastes, rings, strips, films, powders, and adhesive removers, with uses, how to apply, compatibility, and safety for various stoma types.
Choosing appropriate barrier products by skin statusUse of paste, rings, and strips to fill skin foldsSkin protectant films and powders: when and howSafe and gentle use of adhesive removersAvoiding product buildup and incompatibilitiesLesson 8Risk assessment tools relevant to ostomies: Braden Scale for skin risk, stoma complication checklists, nutritional screening tools (MUST/SGA) and glucose control considerationsExamines risk tools for ostomy patients, including Braden Scale for skin risk, stoma complication lists, nutrition screens like MUST and SGA, and how blood sugar control affects healing.
Using the Braden Scale in ostomy patientsStructured stoma complication checklistsApplying MUST and SGA for nutrition riskGlycemic control and wound healing outcomesIntegrating risk scores into care planningLesson 9Stoma measurement and appliance selection: convex vs flat flanges, one-piece vs two-piece systems, flange sizes and wafer shapeExplains correct stoma measuring and appliance picking, comparing convex and flat flanges, one-piece and two-piece setups, and selecting flange size and wafer shape for best fit, wear time, and skin safety.
Measuring stoma diameter and contour safelySelecting flat versus convex flange designsChoosing one-piece versus two-piece systemsDetermining flange size and wafer shapeTrialing and reassessing fit over time
