What should a nurse do if a patient complains of abdominal cramps during an enema?

What should a nurse do if a patient complains of abdominal cramps during an enema?

• A. Stop the infusion until relieved
• B. Raise the solution
• C. Position the patient on right side
• D. Administer pain medication

Answer: (A)

When a patient experiences abdominal cramps during an enema, stopping the infusion is the appropriate action. Abdominal cramps can indicate that the patient is experiencing discomfort and that the solution may be causing irritation or overstimulation of the bowel. By discontinuing the infusion, the nurse can provide immediate relief to the patient and prevent further discomfort or potential complications. In clinical practice, it is essential to prioritize the patient's comfort and safety. Continuing the enema despite the patient’s discomfort could lead to increased pain and possibly more severe gastrointestinal reactions. After stopping the infusion, the nurse can assess the patient further, provide reassurance, and consider alternative measures to alleviate the cramps, such as adjusting the patient's position or consulting a physician if necessary. The other options may not address the immediate need for relief effectively. For example, raising the solution might increase the pressure and worsen cramps, while positioning the patient on their right side may not provide enough relief or comfort. Administering pain medication could be beneficial but is generally not the first step in addressing the immediate issue of abdominal cramps caused by an enema.

When a patient experiences abdominal cramps during an enema, stopping the infusion is the appropriate action. Abdominal cramps can indicate that the patient is experiencing discomfort and that the solution may be causing irritation or overstimulation of the bowel. By discontinuing the infusion, the nurse can provide immediate relief to the patient and prevent further discomfort or potential complications.

In clinical practice, it is essential to prioritize the patient's comfort and safety. Continuing the enema despite the patient’s discomfort could lead to increased pain and possibly more severe gastrointestinal reactions. After stopping the infusion, the nurse can assess the patient further, provide reassurance, and consider alternative measures to alleviate the cramps, such as adjusting the patient's position or consulting a physician if necessary.

The other options may not address the immediate need for relief effectively. For example, raising the solution might increase the pressure and worsen cramps, while positioning the patient on their right side may not provide enough relief or comfort. Administering pain medication could be beneficial but is generally not the first step in addressing the immediate issue of abdominal cramps caused by an enema.