Stoma care: RCSI aptitude test practice questions
About this topic
Stoma care on the RCSI theory paper
Colostomy and ileostomy, stoma appearance, output, skin care, diet and living with a stoma.
20 multiple-choice questions, each with an explanation and the document it was checked against. Three questions are free; the pass opens the other 17 and every other topic. Wrong answers come back first the next time you practise, and a question counts as mastered after two correct answers in a row.
Sample questions from this topic
Question 1
What is the difference between a temporary and a permanent stoma?
- AA temporary stoma can later be reversed surgically
- BTemporary stomas sit on the left, permanent on the right
- CPermanent stomas are always ileostomies
- DTemporary stomas do not need a bag at night
Show answer
Answer: A. Irish Cancer Society: a temporary colostomy or ileostomy protects a join in the bowel and can later be reversed by an operation to re-join the bowel; a permanent stoma cannot be reversed. Side on the abdomen depends on the bowel segment used, not on permanence.
Question 2
How much fluid does the ISCCNA advise most people with a stoma to drink each day, and what output defines a high output stoma?
- A1500 to 2000 ml a day; output of 1500 ml or more in 24 hours
- B800 to 1000 ml a day; output of 500 ml or more in 24 hours
- C3 to 4 litres a day; output of 3 litres or more in 24 hours
- DFluids as thirst dictates; any watery output in 24 hours
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Answer: A. ISCCNA: unless advised otherwise, most people need 1500 to 2000 ml of fluid a day (8 glasses or mugs), drunk at regular intervals rather than in large amounts at once, which can cause a rapid rise in ileostomy output. A high output stoma is an ileostomy producing 1500 ml or more over 24 hours, typically watery with undigested food visible.
Question 3
What are the common reasons a stoma bag leaks, according to the Irish Cancer Society?
- ADrinking more than 2 litres of fluid a day, which thins the output
- BThe bag is too full or not fitted to the skin properly
- CSleeping on the same side as the stoma for most of the night
- DUsing a pouch with a charcoal filter
Show answer
Answer: B. Irish Cancer Society: leaks usually happen because the bag is too full and needs emptying more often, or because it is not attached or fitted properly. Weight change, sore skin and skin folds also affect adhesion and may need a different appliance or accessories.
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Documents behind these questions
Every fact was checked against the public document named on the answer. This topic draws on: