Final answer:
It is false that an enema should be administered to a patient in a sitting position; the correct position is the left side-lying or Sims' position. The rectum stores fecal matter, and having an adequate intake of fiber and water ensures regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a nurse should insert the tip of the enema tubing into the rectum while the patient is in a sitting position, as on the toilet, is false. When administering an enema, the patient is usually placed in a left side-lying position, often referred to as the Sims' position, with the right knee flexed. This position helps facilitate the flow of the enema solution into the sigmoid colon and rectum by following the natural contours of the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, this practice is safer and more effective for the patient than attempting to administer an enema in a sitting position.
It's important to note that the rectum's primary role in the digestive system is to store fecal matter until it can be excreted. The fiber in our diet is crucial for forming stools and allowing for regular defecation. A proper balance of fiber and water consumption is vital for maintaining normal bowel movements, which can range from after every meal to once every two or three days. Regular bowel movements are essential for the prevention of constipation. When the body signals that it's time to defecate, the stool is passed through the muscular rectum and out the anus, as the anus's sphincter muscles relax during the defecation process.