Author Question: Before administering a cleansing enema to an 80-year-old patient, the patient says I don't think I ... (Read 55 times)

soccerdreamer_17 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

Before administering a cleansing enema to an 80-year-old patient, the patient says I don't think I will be able to hold the enema. Which is the next priority nursing action?

a. Rolling the patient into right-lying Sims' position
b. Positioning the patient in the dorsal recumbent position on a bedpan
c. Inserting a rectal plug to contain the enema solution after administering
d. Assisting the patient to the bedside commode and administering the enema

Question 2

A nurse is preparing a patient for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Which nursing action is most important?

a. Ensuring that the patient does not eat or drink 2 hours before the examination.
b. Administering a colon cleansing product 6 hours before the examination.
c. Obtaining an order for a pain medication before the test is performed.
d. Removing all of the patient's metallic jewelry.

joshbk44 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
If you suspect the patient of having poor sphincter control, position on bedpan in a comfortable dorsal recumbent position. Patients with poor sphincter control are unable to retain all of the enema solution. Administering an enema with the patient sitting on the toilet is unsafe because it is impossible to safely guide the tubing into the rectum, and it will be difficult for the patient to retain the fluid as he or she is in the position used for emptying the bowel. Rolling the patient into right-lying Sims' position will not help the patient retain the enema. Use of a rectal plug to contain the solution is inappropriate and unsafe.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
No jewelry or metal products should be in the same room as an MRI machine because of the high-power magnet used in the machine. The patient needs to be NPO 4 to 6 hours before the examination. Colon cleansing products are not necessary for MRIs. Pain medication is not needed before the examination is performed.