Which type of ostomy may be necessary for an infant diagnosed with a high imperforate anus?

Prepare for the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (WOCN) Ostomy Certification Exam with our detailed quiz. Test your knowledge with interactive questions and comprehensive explanations to ensure success in your certification journey.

An infant diagnosed with a high imperforate anus often requires a colostomy as part of their surgical intervention. An imperforate anus is a congenital condition where the anal opening is either missing or blocked, leading to an inability to pass stool normally. In such cases, a colostomy creates an opening in the abdominal wall that allows for the diversion of feces into a colostomy bag, bypassing the malformed anal passage.

This temporary solution provides a way to manage the infant's bowel output while further surgical corrections can be planned or executed. Eventually, once the child is able to undergo definitive surgery to correct the anatomy, the colostomy can be reversed.

An ileostomy, which diverts waste from the end of the small intestine, is not indicated because the primary issue is related to the rectum and anus, rather than the small intestine. A urostomy deals with urine diversion and is not relevant for a condition that primarily affects bowel function. The assertion that no surgery is needed is inaccurate, as intervention is crucial for managing high imperforate anus to prevent further complications such as infection or bowel obstructions.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy