What are the key elements to assess before administering a cleansing enema?
We’ve updated our privacy policy so that we are compliant with changing global privacy regulations and to provide you with insight into the limited ways in which we use your data. Show You can read the details below. By accepting, you agree to the updated privacy policy. Thank you! View updated privacy policy We've encountered a problem, please try again. An enema is a liquid administered via the rectal route either to aid bowel evacuation or to administer medication (Galbraith et al, 2013; Dougherty and Lister, 2015). This article will discuss the use of enemas for constipation in adult patients. Indications for the use of enemas include to: The use of enemas is contraindicated in patients with a paralytic ileus or chronic obstruction. It is also contraindicated where administration may cause circulatory overload, mucosal damage, necrosis, perforation, haemorrhage or following any gastrointestinal or gynaecological surgery where sutures may be ruptured (Dougherty and Lister, 2015). Most commonly, enemas are used to relieve and treat constipation. NICE (2017) defines constipation as a symptomatic disorder of unsatisfactory defaecation due to difficulty or infrequency of passing stools that is a change to the individual's normal bowel pattern. Chronic constipation is diagnosed when symptoms persist for at least 12 weeks in the past 6 months (NICE, 2017). Early assessment and treatment of constipation is necessary to prevent long-term implications such as faecal loading, impaction or retention, haemorrhoids, anal fissures, distension or loss of sensory and motor functions (NICE, 2017). Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN) Use the checklist below to review the steps for completion of “Rectal Medication Administration” using a rectal suppository.[1] StepsDisclaimer: Always review and follow agency policy regarding this specific skill. Follow Steps 1 through 12 in the “Checklist for Oral Medication Administration.”
What procedure should be used to administer a cleansing enema?Remove the cap from the nozzle of the enema. Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into the anus, and continue inserting it 10 centimeters (3–4 inches) into the rectum. Slowly squeeze the liquid from the container until it is empty, then gently remove the nozzle from the rectum. Wait for the enema to take effect.
What nursing considerations are important when administering enemas?Share this:. Check the doctor's order.. Provide privacy. ... . Promote relaxation. ... . Position the client:. Sizes of rectal tube to be used are as follows:. Lubricate 5 cm (2 in) of the rectal tube.. Allow solution to flow through the connecting tubing and rectal tube to expel air before insertion of rectal tube.. What are the indications for a cleansing enema?Indications for the administration of a cleansing enema include relieving constipation, to prepare the bowel before a diagnostic test or bowel surgery and during bowel retraining programs. Either large or small volumes of solution are administered.
How should the nurse give a cleansing enema?Raise the enema container 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) above his rectum and open the clamp. If using a prepackaged enema, squeeze the container. Administer the solution slowly. Stop the flow if the patient complains of fullness or pain or if fluid escapes around the tube.
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