Ostomy care and the consultant pharmacist.
Many long-term care residents have ostomies. Three types of ostomy are most common: ostomies of the small bowel (ileostomies/jejunostomies), ostomies of the large bowel (colostomy), and urostomies. Ostomates (people who have had an ostomy) must deal with their physical and psychological repercussions. Complications may include dermatological problems, short-bowel syndrome, and vitamin deficiencies. When the ostomy involves the bowel, medication absorption may be affected. Pharmacists should be aware of contraindicated medications, as well as those that change the color or odor of effluent or stool.
Zanni
Guido R
GR
National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Wick
Jeannette Y
JY