When the patient receives ostomy care education in a nursing unit, what is the primary purpose?

• A. To prepare for discharge with self-management
• B. To schedule additional surgeries
• C. To administer medication
• D. To perform physical therapy

Answer: (A)

The main idea is preparing the patient to manage the ostomy after discharge, so they can take care of it independently at home. Ostomy care education focuses on practical skills like changing the appliance, emptying the pouch, keeping the skin around the stoma healthy, and recognizing problems such as leakage, irritation, or infection. It also covers how to select supplies, how to store them, and when to contact healthcare providers. This training in the nursing unit ensures the patient is confident and capable of ongoing self-care, which helps prevent complications and supports a safe, smooth transition to home or other settings.

Other options don’t fit as the primary purpose. Scheduling additional surgeries isn’t the goal of ostomy education, and while medications and physical therapy may be part of overall care, the education specifically aims to empower self-management of the ostomy and the associated supplies after discharge.