Emptying an Ostomy Pouch

Table of Contents

A colostomy is a surgically created opening in the child’s large intestine used to eliminate fecal material. A piece of the colon is brought thru the abdominal wall out to the skin surface and folded back in on itself to create what is called a “stoma”. A colostomy can be temporary or permanent. A pouch is worn over the colostomy to collect stool.

A urinary ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a stoma in the abdomen to divert urine from the bladder.

A school nurse may delegate the tasks of emptying an ostomy pouch.

The instructional steps assist the registered nurse working under the auspices of the school or program in professional judgement and accountability of delegation. Additional steps may be required depending on the student’s health needs.

Steps

  1. Provide privacy for the child to ensure their comfort and dignity
  2. Wash your hands
  3. Explain the procedure to the student using age appropriate context
  4. Have the student wash their hands
  5. Put on gloves
  6. Assemble the necessary supplies in the correct location to perform the task (non-inclusive list: wet wipes, wash cloth or tissue, near a toilet or have a container available)
  7. Tilt the bottom of the pouch upward and remove the clamp or valve
  8. Fold the bottom of the pouch up to form a cuff before emptying on a colostomy (the cuff assists with keeping the bottom of the pouch clean during emptying)
  9. Slowly unfold the end of the pouch or undue the valve and empty the pouch into the toilet or container
  10. Wipe the bottom of the pouch or valve with a tissue, wet wash cloth, wet wipe or other item as identified by parent or provider
  11. Reapply clamp or valve closure
  12. Flatus can also be released through the gas release valve if the pouch has one for a colostomy. 
  13. Flush the waste or urine (measure if indicated) and clean the container
  14. Remove gloves and wash your hands
  15. Follow any additional steps required depending on the student’s health needs.
  16. Document the date, time, procedure, amount (if applicable), student’s response, your initials and signature