Fundamentals of Nursing Q 498

---

The nurse administers a cleansing enema. The common position for this procedure is?

  

     A. Sims left lateral

     B. Dorsal Recumbent

     C. Supine

     D. Prone

    

    

Correct Answer: A. Sims left lateral

---

This position provides comfort to the patient and easy access to the natural curvature of the rectum. Enemas are rectal injections of fluid intended to cleanse or stimulate the emptying of the bowel. Enemas may also be prescribed to flush out the colon before certain diagnostic tests or surgeries. The bowel needs to be empty before these procedures to reduce infection risk and prevent stool from getting in the way.

---

Option B: Position the patient on the left side, lying with the knees drawn to the abdomen. This eases the passage and flow of fluid into the rectum. Gravity and the anatomical structure of the sigmoid colon also suggest that this will aid enema distribution and retention. Dorsal recumbent is a position in which the patient lies on the back with the lower extremities moderately flexed and rotated outward. It is employed in the application of obstetrical forceps, repair of lesions following parturition, vaginal examination, and bimanual palpation.

Option C: The supine position means lying horizontally with the face and torso facing up, as opposed to the prone position, which is face down. When used in surgical procedures, it allows access to the peritoneal, thoracic, and pericardial regions; as well as the head, neck, and extremities.

Option D: Prone position is a body position in which the person lies flat with the chest down and the backup. In anatomical terms of location, the dorsal side is up, and the ventral side is down. The supine position is the 180° contrast.

---