The nurse has administered approximately half of an enema solution to a preoperative client when the client complains of pain and cramping. Which nursing action is most appropriate at this time?
1. Reassure the client and continue the flow.
2. Raise the enema bag so that the solution can be instilled quickly.
3. Discontinue the enema and notify the health care provider (HCP).
4. Clamp the tubing for 30 seconds and restart the flow at a slower rate.4. Clamp the tubing for 30 seconds and restart the flow at a slower rate.
A female client states to the home health nurse that she has not had a bowel movement since coming home from the hospital after surgery 4 days ago. The nurse instructs the client to follow which diet at this time?
1. High-fiber diet
2. Full liquid diet
3. Low-fiber diet
4. Low-sodium diet1. High-fiber diet
The nurse is preparing to administer a soapsuds enema to a preoperative client. In which position should the nurse place the client to administer the enema?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D2. B
The nurse has administered approximately half of an enema solution when the client complains of pain and cramping. Which nursing action is the most appropriate?
1. Reassure the client and continue the flow.
2. Raise the enema bag so that the solution can be instilled quickly.
3. Discontinue the enema and notify the health care provider (HCP).
4. Clamp the tubing for 30 seconds and restart the flow at a slower rate.4. Clamp the tubing for 30 seconds and restart the flow at a slower rate.
Before enema administration, which position should the nurse assists the client to assume?
1. Right Sims position
2. Dorsal recumbent position
3. Left lateral position, with the right leg acutely flexed
4. Right lateral position, with the left leg acutely flexed3. Left lateral position, with the right leg acutely flexed
The client has a prescription for administering an enema. After preparing the equipment and solution, the nurse should assist the client into which position?
1. Left-sided lateral Sims position
2. Right-sided lateral Sims position
3. Left side-lying, with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees
4. Right side-lying, with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees1. Left-sided lateral Sims position
The nurse is inserting an indwelling urinary catheter into a male client. As the catheter is inserted into the urethra, urine begins to flow into the tubing. What should the nurse do next?
1. Immediately twist the catheter, and then slowly inflate the balloon.
2. Insert the catheter 2.5 to 5 cm farther, and then inflate the balloon.
3. Insert the catheter until resistance is met, and then inflate the balloon.
4. Withdraw the catheter approximately 1 inch, and then inflate the balloon.2. Insert the catheter 2.5 to 5 cm farther, and then inflate the balloon.
The client complains of pain as the nurse is inflating the balloon during insertion of a Foley catheter. The nurse should take which immediate action?
1. Withdraw the catheter slightly and reinflate the balloon.
2. Remove the catheter, and reinsert a new one that is one size smaller.
3. Finish inflating the balloon; the discomfort is normal and temporary.
4. Aspirate the fluid, advance the catheter farther, and reinflate the balloon.4. Aspirate the fluid, advance the catheter farther, and reinflate the balloon.
Nurses may have to give an enema as part of their nursing responsibilities. It is important nurses learn how to give an enema properly to prevent too much patient discomfort. Enema administration is virtually painless as long as an experienced nursing professional gives the enema with good nursing skills. The process is important for patients who need to alleviate their bodies of toxins. The process of administering an enema involves inserting fluid into the patient’s rectum to cleanse the lower intestines and colon to remove accumulated toxins and
fecal matter. Nurses administer enemas to stimulate bowel movements in most cases, but there are several other reasons, which include colon cleansing, constipation treatment, excessive potassium and ammonia removal, medication delivery, alleviate bowel inflammation, and bowel preparation for surgery. The entire process takes 30 minutes to a couple of hours. Complications from enema administration include muscle tone loss, fluid overflow, bowel irritation, internal hemorrhaging caused by an imbalance of electrolytes. An enema should not be administered to a patient with
rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, prolapsed rectal tissue, myocardial infarction, or arrhythmias. Nurses can learn to execute the simple process that can help their patients remove harmful toxins and fecal matter from their bodies safely and comfortably. Patients rely on the specialized care of nursing professionals to make them as comfortable as possible.What is an Enema?
Types of Enema
Steps on How to Give an Enema
Video on Enema Administration
Complications of Enema Administration