Giving an Enema

What to Do and Safety

What to Do

Safety Tips

Show Me How

Equipment
WHAT TO KNOW

Promote Normal Bowel Movements

  • A person should take time to have a bowel movement. Begin by having a regular habit of when to go to the bathroom. For example, 30 minutes after a meal is a good time.
  • For older adults or persons who have trouble bending the knees to sit on a toilet, install an elevated toilet seat and arms that attach to the toilet. This makes it easier for a person to sit on or stand up from the toilet.
  • Have the person drink at least 8-10 eight-ounce glasses of liquid a day, unless the doctor orders them to drink less. Placing the total recommended amount of fluid for the day in a pitcher in the refrigerator may make it easier to keep track of the total amount of fluid to drink.
  • Have the person increase physical activity when they are able, such as walking more often or a bit farther, or riding a stationary bike.
  • Have the person increase the amount of fiber in their diet, such as wheat bran, fresh fruits and vegetables. Dietary fiber supplements, such as Metamucil and Citracel, can also help.
  • If constipation continues, the person’s doctor may order a stool softener medicine for a short period of time.

Cleaning the Bowel for Tests and Surgery

If a person is having surgery on the bowel, expect him or her to also have to take medicines (e.g. GoLytely®, Colyte®, Nulytely®) to clean the entire bowel. These medicines are safe. In this case, an enema prevents “accidents” (leaking of stool) during surgery and constipation after surgery.

  • Be sure the person takes all of the medicines ordered and at the correct time, usually in the afternoon or evening before the test or procedure.
  • Some of the medicines given to cleanse the bowel require drinking a large amount of water or Gatorade over a short period of time. This is difficult if the person has trouble swallowing or becomes full easily. Tell the doctor about these problems so he can order the best medicine for the person.
  • Be sure the person drinks all of the liquids. If the person has indigestion, cramps, nausea, or vomiting, have them lie down and rest. Continue to have them drink fluids, but not coffee or other caffeine drinks.
  • After drinking all of the liquids, the person will develop diarrhea. The stool will become almost clear once the bowel is cleaned out. This can happen quickly, or it could take several hours. It is best for you to stay close by if the person needs your help to get to the bathroom. If it is difficult for the person to get to the bathroom, keep a bedside commode close by.
  • After cleaning the bowel, it is usually ok to drink clear liquids, because the person should stay hydrated. Most doctors will give you a list of fluids that are ok to drink until a test is completed.
  • It is usually ok to drink water, clear broths (chicken, beef, or vegetable), apple juice, popsicles without fruit, lemonade, Kool Aid, tea, or coffee. However, most doctors do not want a person to drink soda, red-colored jello or popsicles, or cherry, cranberry, strawberry or red grape juice before a test or procedure.
SAFETY TIPS

  

  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a black box (safety alert) warning for any over-the-counter oral sodium phosphate solution (such as Fleet’s Phospha Soda, Visicol and OsmoPrep). The solution, often given by mouth to clean the entire colon prior to a colonoscopy, has the risk of causing acute kidney injury in certain persons. Thus, sodium phosphate solution can only be given with a doctor’s prescription.
  • The FDA warning does not apply to over-the-counter laxative products such as, Golytely®, Colyte®, Nulytely®, Trilyte, and Half-lytely.
  • Always wear gloves when giving an enema to prevent transfer of germs.
  • Never force the tip of an enema into a person’s rectum.
  • Some people have trouble holding enema fluid because of a weakness in the rectum. In this case, do not give the enema with the person sitting on the toilet. There is a risk of injuring the wall of the rectum with the enema tip.

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SHOW ME HOW

Giving an Enema Safely

related content:

Step-by-Step Instructions

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EQUIPMENT

  

  • Disposable Enema (Fleet Enema or antibiotic enema)
  • Pair of clean disposable gloves (available at drug store)
  • Disposable pad
  • Roll of toilet paper
  • Plastic trash bag
  • Packet of K-Y® Jelly

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