Fundamentals of Nursing- Bowel Elimination Study Guide- Questions and 100% Correct Answers

While assessing a patient before administering an enema, the nurse inspects the patient's abdomen for distention. What is the purpose of this nursing intervention? A. It allows the nurse to plan for appropriate teaching measures. B. It helps determine the number and type of enemas to be given. C. It helps determine conditions that contraindicate the use of enemas. D. It provides a baseline for determining the effectiveness of the enema. D Before administering an enema, the nurse should inspect the patient's abdomen for distention. This provides a baseline for determining the effectiveness of the enema. To plan for appropriate teaching measures, the nurse should determine the patient's level of understanding of the purpose of the enema. The nurse should review the health care provider's order for the type of enema and the amount to be given. Before administering an enema, the nurse should review the patient's medical record for increased intracranial pressure, glaucoma, or recent abdominal, rectal, or prostate surgery because these conditions contraindicate the use of enemas. A nurse is preparing to administer an enema to a patient who is scheduled for a colonoscopy. Which action taken by the nurse may lead to a complication? A. Giving the enema with the patient sitting on the toilet B. Giving the enema with the patient positioned on a bedpan C. Refraining from sterile technique while administering the enema D. Asking the patient to retain the enema solution for a specific length of time A The nurse should not give an enema to a patient sitting on the toilet because the position of the rectal tubing could injure the rectal wall. When giving an enema to an immobilized patient, it is always recommended that the patient be positioned on a bedpan. The use of sterile technique is not necessary when administering an enema, because the colon already contains bacteria. However, the nurse should wear gloves to prevent the transmission of fecal microorganisms. It is appropriate to ask the patient to retain the enema solution for a specific length of time before defecation. The health care provider prescribes methylcellulose to a patient with chronic constipation. Which instruction provided by the nurse will help prevent complications? A. "Do not use the medication on a regular basis." B. "Mix the powder with 250 mL of water or juice and swallow it quickly." C. "Report to the health care provider if you do not pass stool within 8 to 10 hours of taking the medication." D. "Stop taking the medication if you note increased gas formation and flatus when you first start taking it." B