Cover the stoma whenever you shower or bathe.-rationale: the nurse should instruct the client to gently cover the stoma with a loose plastic bib, or even a hand, when showering or bathing to prevent water from entering the stoma. the client should cover the stoma with a loose-fitting, not tight, cloth to protect it. the client should keep his house humidified to prevent irritation of the stoma that can occur in low humidity. the client should avoid swimming, because its possible for water to enter the stoma and then enter the clients lung, causing him to drown without submerging his face.\r\n\r\nclient needs category: health promotion and maintenance\r\nclient needs subcategory: none\r\ncognitive level: analysis\r\n\r\nreference: smeltzer, s.c., et al. brunner & suddarths textbook of medical-surgical nursing, 11th ed. philadelphia: lippincott williams & wilkins, 2008, p. 619.