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Cleansing Enemas - ✔✔these are given to remove feces from the colon
commonly to relieve constipation or fecal impaction, prevent involuntary
escape of fecal material during surgical procedures, promote visualization
of the intentional tract by radiographic or instrument examination, and
help establish regular bowel function during a bowel training program.
4 Types of Cleansing Enemas - ✔✔-Hypertonic
-Tap Water (Hypotonic)
-Normal Saline (Isotonic)
-Soap Suds Enema
Hypertonic - ✔✔Distends intestine, irritates intentional mucosa, pulls fluid
out of interstitial spaces.
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,Causes fluid shifting
Low volume: 70-130mL Fleets
Do not give to dehydrated patients, infants, patients with renal disease or
kidney failure
Takes 5-10 to take effect
Tap Water (hypotonic) - ✔✔Distends intentine, increases peristalsis, and
softens stool.
Causes fluid shifting
Large Volume 500-1000mL
Not to be repeated or used on infants or children
Takes 15min to take effect
Normal Saline (Isotonic 0.9 sodium chloride) - ✔✔Safest
Safe for children and infants
Distends intestines, increases peristalsis and softens stool.
Saline is reflective to our body fluids
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, Do not cause fluid shifting
500-1000mL
Time to take effect 15 min
Oil Retention - ✔✔lubricates the stool and intentional mucosa making
defecation easier.
about 200mL can be mineral, olive or cottonseed oil
Time to take effect 30 min
Inappropriate times to administer Hypertonic and tap water enemas -
✔✔These two types cause fluid shifting so it is not safe for dehydrated
patients, very young infants and children, patients with renal disease or
kidney failure. Or patients with sodium retention
What is the correct type of soap that should be used when administering
soapsuds enema - ✔✔Pure castile soap
What is the correct position that a patient should be placed in before
administering an enema and why - ✔✔A reclining position specifically left
side lying position (Sims position) or the knee to the chest position. It helps
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