Enema Flashcards
Purpose of enema.
B -owel training
E -liminate feces and flatus
A -void contamination of the sterile field (during surgery)
T -reat constipation and impaction
S -upport visualization of intestine ( colonoscopy, x-ray)
Remember: BEATS
It is an act by distending the intestine and sometimes by irritating the intestinal mucosa. This increase peristalsis and the expulsion of feces and flatus.
Enema
Enema tube: lubricate insertion tube for ____inches.
3-4 inches
Position of the patient during enema.
Sims position then left lateral position
Duration in administration of enema.
Minimum of 10-15 mins ( to prevent discomfort)
Temperature of the solution in enema.
Not more than 42*C.
Height of the container in retention.
12 inches above the rectum
Height of the container in non retention.
18 inches above thhe rectum.
What to instruct during the cleansing enema?
Hold the fluid for 10-15mins.
Solutions commonly used in cleansing enema.
Hypertonic solution (saline) Hypotonic solution (tap water)
Increase osmotic pressure will draw fluid from the interstitial space into the colon.
Hypertonic solution
Lower osmotic pressure will cause water to move from the colon to the interstitial space.
Hypotonic solution
Nursing consideration in cleansing enema.
Watch out for circulatory overload and f&e imbalance
Causing no movement fo the fluid in or out of the colon. The volume of the solution stimulates peristalsis.
Isotonic solution (normal saline)
(Enema) if the client complaints of cramping, what is the nursing intervention?
Clamp the tube for 30 seconds.
