A client comes to the clinic with a chief complaint of feeling "dirty inside" and asks the nurse how colonics would work to improve the client's overall well-being. Which response is the most appropriate?

Question

1. "Colonics is a dangerous and not useful technique that no one should try."
2. "There is much controversy about colonics. What do you know about it?"
3. "This is a good way to get rid of toxins in your system."
4. "You'd better ask your doctor about this."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: While colon cleansing is a controversial method of detoxification, and there tends to be no middle group in the beliefs about the usefulness of colonics that option does not appropriately address the client's concerns.
Rationale 2: While colon cleansing is a controversial method of detoxification, establishing a baseline regarding the client's knowledge regarding the process is most appropriate.
Rationale 3: Colonics is the procedure for washing the inner wall of the colon by filling it with water or herbal solutions and then draining it. Colon cleansing is a controversial method of detoxification and the issue requires further discussion.
Rationale 4: This option defers the client's concerns to the doctor which is inappropriate since the nurse should be prepared to discuss the issue with the client.