Question

The primary health care provider instructs the nurse, "Administer no more than three enemas to a patient until the patient is clear." Which conditions is the three-enema limit aiming to prevent?

A. Electrolyte imbalance
B. Dehydration
C. Constipation
D. Bowel perforation

Answer 1

The three-enema limit is to prevent electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and bowel perforation. These can result from excessive fluid and electrolyte shifts or physical damage to the colon due to repeated enemas.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary health care provider's instruction to administer no more than three enemas to a patient until the patient is clear is aiming to prevent conditions such as electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and bowel perforation. Repeated enemas can cause excessive fluid and electrolyte shifts in the body, which may lead to secondary dehydration and concentration changes in body electrolytes such as sodium (Na) and potassium (K). Additionally, frequent enemas increase the risk of physical damage to the colon, which could result in a bowel perforation, a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Therefore, the limitation on the number of enemas is set to avoid these potential complications.