A patient who had colostomy surgery 3 days ago now has air that is filling his pouch, but he has not had any fecal matter from his stoma. Which of the following is the accurate assessment of this situation?

A) There is an infection present causing air to fill the pouch.
B) The patient has an ileus and should not be allowed to have any oral intake.
C) This is normal flatus, indicating that bowel function is returning.
D) The patient should be given a laxative because his bowels are not moving.