Question

An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) places a client in a left lateral position prior to administering a soap suds enema. Which instruction should the nurse provide the UAP?

a) Position the client on the right side after the enema
b) Leave the client in the left lateral position for 30 minutes
c) Assist the client to a sitting position immediately after the enema
d) Place the client in a supine position after the enema

Answer 1

Following the administration of an enema, the nurse should instruct the UAP to position the client on the right side, which helps in the effectiveness and retention of the enema by using the anatomy of the colon.

Step-by-step explanation:

When unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) place a client in the left lateral position prior to administering a soap suds enema, it facilitates the flow of the solution into the sigmoid and descending colon by using gravity. After administering the enema, it is advisable to maintain the left lateral position or suggest a position change that promotes the retention and effectiveness of the enema. Therefore, the correct instruction a nurse should provide the UAP is to position the client on the right side after the enema. This recommendation takes into account the anatomy of the colon and is intended to maximize the potential for the enema solution to reach as far into the colon as possible.