A patient who is constipated has just received a mineral oil-retention enema. The nurse encourages this patient to hold this enema for a minimum of how long?

The faceplate, also known as the wafer or barrier, of an ostomy appliance should typically be changed every 3 to 5 days. This timeframe allows for regular maintenance of the stoma and surrounding skin, ensuring proper hygiene and minimizing the risk of skin irritation or infection. However, it's important to note that individual circumstances may vary, and the frequency of faceplate changes can be adjusted based on the patient's specific needs, the type of ostomy, and the condition of the skin. Regular assessment of the stoma and peristomal skin is essential to determine the optimal timing for faceplate changes.

a. Sigmoid colon: By the time the stool reaches the sigmoid colon, it is typically well-formed and solid. The sigmoid colon is the last segment of the colon before the rectum, and at this point, most water has been absorbed from the stool.

b. Ascending colon: The ascending colon is where the least formed stool is found. As the contents move from the small intestine into the large intestine, they are still in a liquid state. The ascending colon is the first part of the large intestine where absorption of water and electrolytes begins, but the stool is not yet fully formed.

c. Descending colon: In the descending colon, the stool is more solid than in the ascending and transverse colon but not as fully formed as it will be in the sigmoid colon. Water absorption continues in this section, leading to the stool becoming more solid.

d. Transverse colon: The transverse colon lies between the ascending and descending colon. The stool here is more formed than in the ascending colon but still not as solid as it will be by the time it reaches the descending and sigmoid colon. The process of water absorption is ongoing in this section.