Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 81%
Simulated
A nurse is administering a tap-water enema to a client. The client reports cramping as the nurse instills the irrigating solution. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to relieve the client's discomfort?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Correct Answer: A: Lower the height of the solution container.
Rationale: Lowering the height of the solution container will decrease the rate of flow, reducing the pressure and volume of the solution entering the client's colon. This can help alleviate the cramping sensation by slowing down the administration of the enema.
Summary of other choices:
B: Encouraging the client to bear down may increase intra-abdominal pressure, worsening the cramping sensation.
C: Allowing the client to expel some fluid before continuing may not address the root cause of the discomfort, which is the rapid influx of solution.
D: Stopping the enema and documenting that the client did not tolerate the procedure does not actively address the client's discomfort or provide immediate relief.
Rationale: Lowering the height of the solution container will decrease the rate of flow, reducing the pressure and volume of the solution entering the client's colon. This can help alleviate the cramping sensation by slowing down the administration of the enema.
Summary of other choices:
B: Encouraging the client to bear down may increase intra-abdominal pressure, worsening the cramping sensation.
C: Allowing the client to expel some fluid before continuing may not address the root cause of the discomfort, which is the rapid influx of solution.
D: Stopping the enema and documenting that the client did not tolerate the procedure does not actively address the client's discomfort or provide immediate relief.