Adult Bowel Care Policy.pdf - NHS North Somerset

abnormalities observed. anal skin tags, wounds, discharge,
anal lesions, gaping anus, bleeding,
foreign bodies
Wash hands, then put on a disposable To prevent spread of infection
apron and non-latex gloves.
Place a plasticbacked
To protect bedding from faecal matter
absorbent sheet under the patient.
Remove the cap from the enema, place
lubricating jelly on a swab and lubricate
the end of the nozzle
To ease insertion
Expel any excess air Air in the colon may cause distension
and abdominal
Part the buttocks and gently insert the
enema into the anus, or into the anal
canal and then on to the rectum
Slowly introduce the contents
of the enema slowly withdraw the
nozzle
Wipe the perianal area with a
clean swab.
Ask the patient to retain the enema for
up to 10–15 minutes before using the
commode or lavatory. Patients often
find this easier if they remain lying
down.
Ensure the patient has access to a call
bell, commode and/or lavatory with a
supply of toilet paper
The patient may complain of lightheadedness
during the insertion of an
enema or during evacuation of the
bowel
Remove and dispose of equipment
Remove gloves and apron, and wash
hands.
Inform the patient of the outcome and
ensure that the procedure and its result
are
documented using the Bristol Stool
Chart
Adapted From
discomfort
The anal canal is approximately 5cm in
length so the insertion of more than this
length ensures that the nozzle of the
enema is in the rectum.
To avoid a reflex emptying of the bowel
To leave the patient clean and
comfortable
To ensure maximum effect
Kyle G. 2007 Bowel Care Part 4. Administering an Enema
Nursing Times 103: 45, 26-27
This is due to vagal nerve stimulation,
which
can slow the heart rate and alter its
rhythm
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Adult Bowel Care Policy PS 337 06/2009 1 06/2010 31 of 42
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