After cleansing a stoma, what is the next appropriate step?

The next appropriate step after cleansing a stoma involves ensuring that the area is protected and prepared for application of a new device. Covering the stoma with a clean gauze pad serves an important function—it protects the stoma and maintains cleanliness while allowing any remaining moisture to evaporate.

This approach also minimizes the risk of contamination and infection before applying a new device, ensuring that the skin around the stoma remains healthy and the stoma itself is safeguarded. By using a clean gauze pad, you provide a barrier while allowing for air circulation, which is crucial for preventing irritation and supporting healing.

The other actions listed do not follow the appropriate protocol after cleansing. Applying a new device directly over a moist or unprotected stoma could lead to trapping moisture, increasing the risk of skin breakdown. Using the wafer directly after cleansing also does not allow for any potential excess moisture to be managed. Flushing the stoma with saline is generally not a standard practice in caring for a stoma unless specifically indicated by a healthcare provider. Each step in stoma care is critical to patient comfort and health, where proper timing and method are essential.