ATI Skills Module 3.0: Bowel Elimination

While a nurse is administering a cleansing enema, the client reports abdominal cramping. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Lower the enema fluid container.

A nurse is preparing to administer a cleansing enema to a client who has poor sphincter control. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Place the client in the dorsal recumbent position on a bedpan.

A client who is postoperative is experiencing abdominal distention and is having difficulty expelling flatus. The nurse should expect the provider to prescribe which of the following types of enemas?

Return-flow

A nurse is administering an enema medication with sodium polystyrene sulfonate to an adult client who has hyperkalemia. To which of the following lengths should the nurse insert the rectal tube?

7.5 cm to 10 cm (3 to 4 in)

A nurse is preparing to administer an oil retention enema to a client who has constipation. The nurse should instruct the client to retain the solution for which of the following durations?

At least 30 minutes

A nurse is administering a return-flow enema to a client. After instilling 100 mL of enema fluid, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Lower the container to allow the solution to flow back out.

A nurse is preparing an adult client for an enema. The nurse should assist the client into which of the following positions?

Left lateral with the right leg flexed

A nurse is preparing to administer the first of two large-volume, cleansing enemas prescribed for a client in preparation for a diagnostic procedure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Warm the enema solution prior to installation.