Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 37 ENEMA ADMINISTRATION PURPOSE: An enema is given in accordance with the physician’s plan of care to remove or soften fecal material to relieve abdominal distention and discomfort secondary to constipation or impaction. RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL: RN, LPN EQUIPMENT: Enema as ordered by physician, waterproof pad (chux), tissue, light weight blanket or sheet, gloves, water soluble lubricating jelly PROCEDURE: 1) Explain physician’s order, purpose and procedure for enema administration. 2) Assemble equipment at patient’s bedside. 3) Wash hands and don gloves. 4) Provide for patient privacy and assist patient to a left side-lying position with right knee bent toward the chest. 5) Place waterproof pad under patient’s buttocks. 6) Lubricate end of enema tubing and slowly insert approximately 2-3 inches past the anal sphincter. 7) Administer the enema per physician’s orders. Ensure client is comfortable as possible. 8) Encourage patient to hold enema as long as possible. 9) Assist patient to bedpan, bedside toilet or bathroom as patient desires. 10) After patient expels enema, note results and assist patient in cleaning perineal area as needed. 11) Remove and dispose of waterproof pad, gloves and equipment. 12) Wash hands and ensure patient is comforta ble. DOCUMENTATION: Document the type and amount of enema solution used. Document the results and patient’s tolerance to the procedure in the clinical visit note. Document all teaching and the patient’s or caregiver’s response to the teaching. Document if fecal impaction was manually removed by the nurse. Document any physician contact and any new orders received. ____________________________________________________