A nurse is caring for a client who has COPD. The nurse should identify that the client is at risk for which of the following acid-base imbalances?

Choice A reason: This statement indicates a need for further teaching, as it is incorrect. The client does not need to catheterize the stoma, as the urine flows continuously from the ileal conduit to the pouch. Catheterization can cause infection and damage to the stoma.

Choice B reason: This statement is correct, as the client will need to measure the stoma each week for the first 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. The stoma may change in size and shape as it heals, and the client will need to adjust the size of the pouch opening accordingly.

Choice C reason: This statement is correct, as the client will always have to wear a pouch to collect the urine. The client can choose from different types of pouches, such as one-piece or two-piece systems, and change them as needed.

Choice D reason: This statement is correct, as the client will need to cleanse around the stoma with soap and water at least once a day. This helps to prevent skin irritation and infection. The client should avoid using alcohol, perfumes, or lotions on the stoma.

Choice A: Taking the client to the bathroom every 2 hours while awake is not an effective strategy for bowel training. This may disrupt the client's natural bowel rhythm and cause unnecessary stress and frustration. Bowel training aims to establish a regular and predictable time for elimination, not a frequent and arbitrary one¹².
Choice B: Taking the client to the bathroom when they have the urge to defecate is the best option for bowel training. This helps the client to respond to their body's signals and avoid suppressing or delaying the urge. It also reinforces the association between the urge and the act of defecation, which can improve bowel control and prevent constipation¹².
Choice C: Taking the client to the bathroom immediately before meals is not a good idea for bowel training. This may interfere with the client's appetite and digestion, as well as their social and emotional well-being. Bowel training should not be associated with negative or unpleasant feelings. Moreover, eating stimulates the gastrocolic reflex, which increases the motility of the colon and the likelihood of having a bowel movement after a meal¹³.
Choice D: Taking the client to the bathroom after they feel abdominal cramping is not a reliable method for bowel training. Abdominal cramping may indicate various conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerance, infection, or inflammation. It may not always be related to the need to defecate. Waiting for cramping to occur may also delay the evacuation and worsen the symptoms¹³.