Section: NCLEX

30) The nurse is caring for a patient one day after an abdominal–perineal resection for cancer of the rectum. The nurse should question which of the following orders?

Discontinue the nasogastric tube.
Irrigate the colostomy.
Place petrolatum gauze over the stoma.
Administer Demerol 50 mg IM for pain.

Explanation

The colostomy begins to function 3–6 days after surgery.

This question is provided by Kaplan Test Prep.