What should be the priority action for a post-operative patient with a dark red stoma?

In the case of a post-operative patient with a dark red stoma, the priority action is to notify the surgeon. A dark red or purplish stoma may indicate inadequate blood supply or potential necrosis, which can be a sign of a serious complication following surgery, such as an obstruction or a vascular issue. Immediate communication with the surgeon is critical to assess the situation and determine the necessary intervention to prevent further complications.

Timely notification allows for prompt action to be taken. The surgeon has the expertise to evaluate the stoma's viability and decide whether any surgical intervention or additional treatment is needed. Early recognition and treatment of such issues can significantly impact patient outcomes, making it imperative to prioritize this step in response to the observed stoma color.

While other actions such as administering pain medication, changing the dressing, or monitoring vital signs are important aspects of post-operative care, they do not address the immediate concern of a potentially compromised stoma. Therefore, alerting the surgeon is the most critical action to take in this scenario.