Enemas Flashcards
Which type of enema draws water in to clear the bowels?
Tap water
- hypotonic
Which type of enema is the safest and can be used on infants and children?
Normal saline
Which type of enema draws fluid in from the body?
Hypertonic
- Draws water out of the cell
- Don’t use if dehydrated
Which type of enema promotes cleansing?
soapsuds
Which type of enema softens stool?
Oil retention
What position should the patient be in to receive an enema?
A. Fowlers
B. Sims
C. High fowlers
D. Semi-fowlers
B. Sims
Which precautions should be taken when adminisering an enema?
A. Clean
B. Sterile
C. Isolation
D. Contact
A. Clean
How is the temperature of the water tested before administering an enema?
A. With a thermometer
B. On the patient
C. On the wrist of the nurse
C. On the wrist of the nurse
Where should the enema bag be positioned?
A. Always below the rectum
B. Above the rectum
C. Level of rectum and raise
D. It doesn’t matter
C. Level of rectum and raise
A patient receiving an enema is complaining of discomfort. What should the nurse do?
A. Level the bag with the rectum and continue to raise
B. Keep the bag in the same position the whole time
C. Lower the bag or clamp
C. Lower the bag or clamp
How should the nurse interact with the enema tubing?
A. Hold the tubing in place when setting up
B. Hold the tubing in place when administering the solution only
C. Hold the tubing in place the entire time
C. Hold the tubing in place the entire time
What should the nurse explain before administering an enema?
SATA
- Explain the procedure
- Explain precautions to avoid discomfort
- Explain that the patient will have to seek reoccuring enemas
- Explain to the patient the length of time necessary to retain the solution before defecation.
- Explain to the patient the length of time necessary to retain the solution before defecation.
- Explain the procedure
- Explain precautions to avoid discomfort
What should the nurse monitor after the patient passes the stool?
A. Abdominal distention
B. Bowel elimination
C. Heart rate and blood pressure
D. Urinary retention
C. Heart rate and blood pressure
Why does the nurse need to monitor after administering an enema?
A. Vagus nerve could have been stimulated
B. Autonomic hyperreflexia
C. Neurogenic shock
D. Spinal shock
A. Vagus nerve could have been stimulated
What should the nurse do if an enema fails to remove an impaction?
A. Order another enema
B. Digital removal of stool
C. Ask provider to order digital removal of stool
C. Ask provider to order digital removal of stool
What should never be done when administering an enema?
Never hold the bag 12 inches above the rectum
