The client receiving a cleansing enema complains of pain and cramping. The nurse takes which of the following corrective actions?

1. Discontinue the enema.
2. Reassure the client, and continue the flow.
3. Raise the enema bag so that the solution can be completed quickly.
4. Clamp the tubing for 30 seconds, and restart the flow at a slower rate.


4

Rationale: Enema fluid should be administered slowly. If the client complains of fullness or pain, stop the flow for 30 seconds and restart at a slower rate. This action decreases the likelihood of intestinal spasm and premature ejection of the solution. Therefore "discontinue the enema," "reassure the client, and continue the flow," and "raise the enema bag so that the solution can be completed quickly" are incorrect actions.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

The innermost "tunic" of the eye is also called the:

a. sclera c. orbit b. retina d. iris

Nursing

In which case might the nurse expect the state to deny a patient's right of refusal for medical treatment?

1. The patient has an illness that poses a threat to public health if left untreated. 2. A competent adult refuses a blood transfusion based on religious belief. 3. The patient refuses treatment to slow the advancement of an inoperable brain tumor. 4. The patient's insurance refuses to pay if treatments are refused.

Nursing

The nurse is assessing clients at a clinic. Which activity takes priority?

a. Teaching smoking cessation to a mid-dle-aged woman who smokes b. Planning an exercise regimen with a woman with a sedentary lifestyle c. Teaching an older man who is moderately obese to keep a food diary d. Assessing a man with familial coronary artery disease for specific risk factors

Nursing

Which blood gas value indicates that the client is experiencing hypercarbia?

A. pH = 7.33 B. Bicarbonate = 20 mEq/L C. PaCO2 = 60 mm Hg D. PaO2 = 80 mm Hg

Nursing