Fecal Flashcards
Which action would the nurse take to ensure the safety of an older adult patient who has received an enema?
Provide assistance to the bathroom for expulsion of fluid and stool to ensure patient safety and prevent a fall.
The nurse is preparing to administer an enema. How can the nurse best facilitate insertion of the rectal tube?
Lubing the first 6-8 cm or 2.5-3 inches of the tip of the tube facilitates insertion
The nurse is delegating to nursing assistive personnel (NAP) the administration of an enema for an older adult patient who is recovering from a stroke. The enema order reads, “Enemas until clear.” Which statement made by NAP requires the nurse to follow up?
The statement “It may take 3-4 enemas to achieve a clear return” requires follow up because administering more than 3 enemas can create a fluid and electrolyte imbalance, especially in older patients. Notify health care provider is bowel has not been evacuated after 3.
The correct responses not requiring follow up involved:
1) turning patient on their side which is the correct position
2) Testing the water temp on the inside of your wrist which is appropriate
3) Waiting to administer the enema until after the patient has been active and ambulated that day since enemas can “wear a patient out”
The nurse has delegated administration of a standard enema for a 72-year-old patient with constipation. Which statement made by nursing assistive personnel (NAP) requires the nurse to follow up?
The statement “I’ll instill the solution and then check on my other patients until I get the call signal” requires the nurse to follow-up. (DUH)… Nurse or NAP should remain with patient until he or she is ready to defecate.
The correct or appropriate responses involved:
1) Warming the solution before instilling it
2) placing patient in side lying position with right knee bent
3) placing a waterproof pad unter patient before starting procedure.
Which action would the nurse take to reduce the risk of infection among patients and staff when administering an enema to an older adult patient with dementia?
Preform hand hygiene before putting on gloves, and after removing gloves.
