Comprehensive care of the ileostomy patient.

Comprehensive care of the person with an ileostomy is an integral part of professional nursing. It is the responsibility of professional nurses to be knowledgeable and skilled in ileostomy patient care. This article has presented basic issues to be considered in facilitating the rehabilitation of the person with an ileostomy. Perhaps the most important factor to be considered is that the process of rehabilitation must begin at the first encounter with the person undergoing ileostomy surgery, must extend beyond the period of hospitalization, and must reach into the person's home and community.