Final answer:
During a return-flow enema, a nurse instills 100ml of fluid, allows it to return, and may repeat the process. This is part of the body's fluid management, involving the excretion and reabsorption of digestive juices and the nephrons' and bladder's functioning.
Step-by-step explanation:
When administering a return-flow enema, the nurse should instill 100ml of fluid, then allow the solution to flow back out. This procedure helps in clearing the bowel and ensuring the patient's comfort. It involves a cyclical process where fluid is introduced and then allowed to return, which can assist in dislodging fecal matter. The process may be repeated, carefully adding another 100ml of fluid after a few minutes, as tolerated by the patient.
The enema process takes into account the continuous excretion and reabsorption of digestive juices and water within the gastrointestinal tract. This dynamic system can handle approximately 7 to 10 liters of internal secretion per day, with exceptions during specific medical interventions such as an enema. The understanding of the body's fluid dynamics, including the filtration rate by nephrons and the bladder's capacity, is crucial in safely administering an enema.
It is important to note that if there is a risk of significant blood loss, medical professionals must ensure that appropriate access and fluids are available for patient stabilization.