Which complication should a nurse monitor for in a client with a new colostomy?

Monitoring for complications following colostomy creation is crucial for ensuring the well-being of the client. The correct focus here is on the potential for infection at the stoma site.

A newly created colostomy is essentially a surgical opening from the colon to the abdominal wall, which may be susceptible to various complications. The stoma, being exposed to external environments, can serve as a potential entry point for pathogens, leading to infections. Symptoms of infection can include redness, swelling, discharge, and increased pain at the site. Vigilant monitoring for these signs can help in the early identification and management of any complications, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Other complications, like bowel obstruction, are indeed important to monitor; however, the immediate risk after colostomy placement relates more closely to the stoma and its surrounding area. Hypoglycemia and fluid overload are less relevant in the context of a new colostomy specifically, as they are not direct complications associated with the stoma itself. Thus, prioritizing the stoma site for possible infection is the most pertinent and suitable nursing action in this scenario.