What action should a nurse include in the plan of care for a client who has a new ostomy?

For a client who has a new ostomy, it's essential to maintain proper ostomy care to ensure skin integrity and appliance function. Changing the ostomy appliance two times each week is appropriate because it helps to prevent skin irritation and maintains hygiene. The frequency of changing the appliance is based on the type of ostomy, the output consistency, and the client's personal circumstances.

Regular appliance changes, typically every 3 to 7 days, depending on the individual's needs and the product used, allow for monitoring the skin for any irritation or soreness. By changing the appliance twice weekly, the nurse can help ensure that the area around the stoma remains clean and that the appliance adheres properly, reducing the risk of leaks and skin complications.

Other options suggest practices that are either insufficient or inappropriate: changing the appliance once a month likely does not provide the necessary skin care and monitoring needed for a new ostomy. Applying a barrier cream daily can help protect the skin, but it does not replace the need for regular appliance changes. Lastly, restricting all fluid intake is not advisable as it can lead to dehydration and other complications; rather, a balanced fluid intake is essential for ostomy patients to maintain stool consistency and overall health. Therefore, changing the appliance two times each week