During a tap water enema a client reports abdominal cramps which action would the nurse take
OverviewA barium enema is an X-ray exam that can detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon). The procedure is also called a colon X-ray. Show
An enema is the injection of a liquid into your rectum through a small tube. In this case, the liquid contains a metallic substance (barium) that coats the lining of the colon. Normally, an X-ray produces a poor image of soft tissues, but the barium coating results in a relatively clear silhouette of the colon. During a barium enema exam, air may be pumped into the colon. The air expands the colon and improves the quality of images. This is called an air-contrast (double-contrast) barium enema. Before a barium enema, your doctor will instruct you to completely empty your colon. Why it's doneIn the past, doctors used barium enema to investigate the cause of abdominal symptoms. But this test has mostly been replaced by newer imaging tests that are more accurate, such as CT scans. In the past, your doctor may have recommended a barium enema to determine the cause of signs and symptoms, such as the following:
Similarly, a barium enema X-ray previously may have been ordered by your doctor to detect such conditions as:
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RisksA barium enema exam poses few risks. Rarely, complications of a barium enema exam may include:
Barium enema exams generally aren't done during pregnancy because X-rays present a risk to the developing fetus. How you prepareBefore a barium enema exam, you'll be instructed to empty your colon. Any residue in your colon may obscure the X-ray images or be mistaken for an abnormality. To empty your colon, you may be asked to:
What you can expectDuring the examDuring your barium enema, you'll wear a gown and be asked to remove eyewear, jewelry or removable dental devices. The exam will be performed by a radiology technician and a physician who specializes in diagnostic imaging (radiologist). You'll begin the exam lying on your side on a specially designed table. An X-ray will be taken to make sure your colon is clean. Then a lubricated enema tube will be inserted into your rectum. A barium bag will be connected to the tube to deliver the barium solution into your colon. If you're having an air-contrast (double-contrast) barium enema, air will flow through the same tube and into your rectum. The tube that's used to deliver the barium has a small balloon near its tip. When positioned at the entrance of your rectum, the balloon helps keep the barium inside your body. As your colon fills with barium, you may feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Abdominal cramping may occur. Do your best to hold the enema tube in place. To relax, take long, deep breaths. You may be asked to turn and hold various positions on the exam table. This helps ensure that your entire colon is coated with barium and enables the radiologist to view the colon from various angles. You also may be asked to hold your breath at times. The radiologist may press firmly on your abdomen and pelvis, manipulating your colon for better viewing on a monitor attached to the X-ray machine. A number of X-rays will likely be taken of your colon from various angles. A barium enema exam typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes. After the examAfter the exam, most of the barium will be removed from your colon through the enema tube. When the tube is removed, you'll be able to use the toilet to expel additional barium and air. Any abdominal cramping usually ends quickly, and you should be able to return to your usual diet and activities right away. You may have white stools for a few days as your body naturally removes any remaining barium from your colon. Barium may cause constipation, so you may find you can reduce your risk of constipation by drinking extra fluids in the days following your exam. Your doctor may recommend a laxative, if needed. Check with your doctor if you're unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas more than two days after the exam or if your stool doesn't return to its normal color within a few days. ResultsThe radiologist prepares a report based on the results of the examination and sends it to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you, as well as subsequent tests or treatments that may be required:
If your doctor is concerned about the quality of your X-ray images, he or she may recommend a repeat barium enema or another type of diagnostic test. What should you do if the patient experiences cramping during the enema?Discomfort may happen. Pain should not. Pain may be the result of hemorrhoids or tears in the rectal lining. If you experience pain when inserting the enema tube or pushing the fluid into your colon, stop the enema immediately and call your healthcare provider or local medical services.
Which action would the nurse implement when a client reports abdominal cramps during a tap water enema quizlet?If the client reports pain, cramping, or bloating, the nurse should stop the flow of the enema for a few minutes, encourage the client to take deep breaths and relax, and then start the flow again when the pain subsides.
When a nurse is administering a cleansing enema the client reports abdominal cramping Which of the following is the appropriate intervention?While a nurse is administering a cleansing enema, the patient reports abdominal cramping. Which of the following is the appropriate intervention? Lower the enema fluid container.
What nursing action is most important when administering an enema?Which nursing assessment takes priority when administering an enema to a client? When administering an enema to a client, the nurse would assess the client for cramping, dizziness, or pain. The enema may stimulate a vagal response, which increases parasympathetic stimulation. This causes a decrease in the heart rate.
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