Home Health Aide Practice Exam

How often should an ostomy bag be emptied?

1. Once a day

2. Whenever stool is eliminated

3. Every other day

4. Twice a week

The correct answer is: Whenever stool is eliminated

An ostomy bag should be emptied whenever stool is eliminated to maintain comfort and hygiene for the individual. This practice helps prevent overfilling, which can lead to leakage, skin irritation, and discomfort. Monitoring the ostomy output closely ensures that the bag is functioning as intended and helps reduce the risk of complications such as infections or skin breakdown around the stoma. While options that suggest a routine schedule, such as daily or every other day, might be convenient, they do not account for the variability in individual bowel habits. Similarly, emptying the bag only twice a week would not provide adequate maintenance for someone who may have more frequent stool output, leading to potential issues for the patient. Hence, the most practical and health-conscious approach is to empty the ostomy bag as needed, specifically when stool is present.