Enemas - RNpedia

An enema is an introduction of fluid into the lower bowel through the rectum for the purpose of cleansing or to introduce medication or nourishment.

To stimulate defecation & to treat constipation ex: simple evacuant enema
To soften hard faecal matter ex: oil enema
To administer medication ex: sedative enema
To protect and soothe the mucus membrane of intestine & to check diarrhoea ex : emollient enema
To destroy intestinal parasites ex : anthelminitic enema
To relieve the gaseous distention ex : carminitive enema
To administer the fluid and nutrients ex: nutritive enema
To relieve inflammation ex : astringent enema
To induce peristalsis ex : purgative enema
To stimulate a person in shock and collapse ex: stimulant enema
To reduce the temperature ex : cold enema or ice enema
To clean the bowels prior to x-ray studies , visualization of the bowel , surgery on the bowel or delivery of a baby ex : saline enema
To make diagnosis ex: barium enema
To establish regular bowel functions during a bowel training programme
To induce anesthesia ex : anesthetic enema

Stimulate peristalsis through irrigation of colon and rectum and by distention

Soap Suds: Mild soap solutions stimulate and irritate intestinal mucosa. Dilute 5 ml of castile soap in 1000 ml of water
Tap water: Give caution o infants or to adults with altered cardiac and renal reserve
Saline: For normal saline enemas, use smaller volume of solution
Prepackaged disposable enema (Fleet): Approximately 125 cc, tip is pre-lubricate and does not require further preparation

Lubricates the rectum and colon; the feces absorb the oil and become softer and easier to pass

Fill water container with 750 to 1000 cc of lukewarm solution, (500 cc or less for children, 250 cc or less fro an infant), 99 degrees F to 102 degrees F. Solutions that are too hot or too cold, or solutions that are instilled too quickly, can cause cramping and damage to rectal tissues
Allow solution to run through the tubing so that air is removed
Place client on left side in Sim’s position
Lubricate the tip of the tubing with water-soluble lubricant
Gently insert tubing into client’s rectum (3 to 4 inches for adult, 1 inch for infants, 2 to 3 inches for children), past the external and internal sphincters
Raise the water container no more than 12 to 18 inches above the client
Allow solution to flow slowly. If the flow is slow, the client will experience fewer cramps. The client will also be able to tolerate and retain a greater volume of solution
After you have instilled the solution, instruct client to hold solution for about 10 to 15 minutes
Oil retention: enemas should be retained at least 1 hour. Cleansing enemas are retained 10 to 15 minutes.