What is the normal appearance of a stoma?

What is the normal appearance of a stoma?

• A. Blue/gray/black; dull, pale skin around stoma
• B. Red with a dull surface
• C. Yellow and foul smelling
• D. Red/pink, shiny

Answer: (D)

A healthy stoma shows good blood flow and a moist surface. It should look pink to red and be shiny, like the inside of the mouth, which indicates the tissue is viable and well perfused. Anything outside that—blue, gray, or black coloration—signals poor oxygenation or tissue death, and a dull surface suggests reduced perfusion. The surrounding skin should be intact and not irritated. So the description of a red/pink, shiny stoma best matches a normal appearance.

A healthy stoma shows good blood flow and a moist surface. It should look pink to red and be shiny, like the inside of the mouth, which indicates the tissue is viable and well perfused. Anything outside that—blue, gray, or black coloration—signals poor oxygenation or tissue death, and a dull surface suggests reduced perfusion. The surrounding skin should be intact and not irritated. So the description of a red/pink, shiny stoma best matches a normal appearance.