Certified Ostomy Care Nurse (COCN) Practice Exam

The recommended disposal method for ostomy bags to maintain hygiene is to place them in sealed plastic bags before disposing of them in the regular trash. This practice is crucial for several reasons. Ostomy bags can contain bodily waste, which poses a risk of infection and contamination. Sealing the bags not only helps contain the waste and odors but also prevents any potential leakage during transportation to waste facilities. Furthermore, regular trash disposal ensures that these items are handled appropriately without risking exposure to the public or the environment.

Other disposal methods, such as composting, recycling, or flushing, are not appropriate. Composting could introduce harmful pathogens into compost systems, recycling would contaminate recyclable materials, and flushing can clog plumbing systems, causing environmental hazards. Therefore, sealing ostomy bags in plastic before discarding them in the trash is the most hygienic and responsible method.