Ileostomy & Colostomy Nursing Care Plans

This post contains 10 nursing care plans for patients with Ileostomy or Colostomy which you can use.


An ileostomy is an opening constructed in the terminal ileum to treat regional and ulcerative colitis and to divert intestinal contents in colon cancer, polyps, and trauma. It is usually done when the entire colon, rectum, and anus must be removed, in which case the ileostomy is permanent. A temporary ileostomy is done to provide complete bowel rest in conditions such as chronic colitis and in some trauma cases.


A colostomy is a diversion of the effluent of the colon and may be temporary or permanent. Ascending, transverse, and sigmoid colostomies may be performed. Transverse colostomy is usually temporary. A sigmoid colostomy is the most common permanent stoma, usually performed for cancer treatment.

Nursing Priorities for Ileostomy & Colostomy Nursing Care Plans

1. Assist patient/SO in psychosocial adjustment.
2. Prevent complications.
3. Support independence in self-care.
4. Provide information about procedure/prognosis, treatment needs, potential complications, and community resources.

10 Ileostomy & Colostomy Nursing Care Plans

1. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity — Ileostomy & Colostomy 
2. Disturbed Body Image — Ileostomy & Colostomy
3. Acute Pain — Ileostomy & Colostomy 
4. Impaired Skin Integrity — Ileostomy & Colostomy 
5. Deficient Fluid Volume — Ileostomy & Colostomy 
6. Imbalanced Nutrition — Ileostomy & Colostomy 
7. Sexual Dysfunction — Ileostomy & Colostomy
8. Disturbed Sleep Pattern — Ileostomy & Colostomy  
9. Constipation/Diarrhea — Ileostomy & Colostomy
10. Knowledge Deficit — Ileostomy & Colostomy  

Other Possible Diagnoses

1. Skin Integrity, risk for impaired—absence of sphincter at stoma, character/flow of effluent and flatus from stoma.
2. Coping, ineffective—situational crises, vulnerability.
3. Social Interaction, impaired—self-concept disturbance, concern for loss of control of bodily functions.

Discharge Goals for Ileostomy & Colostomy Nursing Care Plans

1. Adjusting to perceived/actual changes.
2. Complications prevented/minimized.
3. Self-care needs met by self/with assistance depending on specific situation.
4. Procedure/prognosis, therapeutic regimen, potential complications understood and sources of support identified.
5. Plan in place to meet needs after discharge.