Education ties in with the physical needs of the patient as an adequate education can lessen the chances of post-operative or stoma complications as discussed above. Complications occur due to deficient knowledge and poor care. The Nurse’s role is to observe, assist and support their patient which will in time lead the patient to managing their stoma independently (Burch, 2005).
The Nurse needs to educate their patient about the function and purpose of the ileal conduit. Teaching should be done in small sections, so as not to overload the patient. However verbal education is not enough, written information and leaflets help a patient retain more information (Burch, 2005). The patient needs to be able to describe and understand stoma and urine characteristics after the procedure. The Nurse’s role is to educate the patient how to change the bag, how often, the night time system and show them different bags available (Colwell, 2004). The Nurse should show the patient step by step a few times and then encourage the patient to participate. As patient involvement increases so does the patient’s …show more content…
After the procedure, the patient may experience anxiety, depression, and body image alteration (Holloway, 2004). However with encouragement, expression, and boosting the patient’s self-esteem their body image will improve over time (Hedgepeth, 2010).
Issues that may be worrying the patient are leaks, their stoma bag falling off, odour, visibility and the effect the stoma will have on their daily life (Harman, 2002). The role of the Nurse is to discuss any concerns the patient may have, support them and develop a coping plan. The patient may feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, self-conscious, isolated and in fear of being ridiculed (Noone, 2010). It is the Nurses priority to promote a healthy body image and enhance their patient’s self-esteem (Burch, 2005). In minimising the patient’s insecurities will thus improve the patient’s quality of life.
A major psychological issue that the patient may experience and the Nurse needs to address is the patient’s sexuality concerns. Due to the bladder being removed in the cystectomy the patient will feel a different sensation when engaging in sexual intercourse. As a Nurse you should support your patient’s concerns and educate them on the options, for example: for a male patient: penile implant or mechanical erectile appliance (Brown & Randle,