An oil retention enema is prescribed for a hospitalized client.

An oil retention enema is prescribed for a hospitalized client. The practical nurse (PN) should administer the enema solution at which temperature?

A.
The solution temperature should be determined by the client’s comfort level

B.
The temperature of the enema is unrelated to the enema’s effectiveness

C.
The solution should approximate the client’s body temperature (98°F or 36°C).

D.
The temperature should be higher (110°F or 43°C) than the client’s body temperature

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

The correct answer is C. The solution should approximate the client’s body temperature (98°F or 36°C).

Explanation:

An oil retention enema is used to soften and lubricate stool, facilitating easier passage in patients experiencing constipation, fecal impaction, or discomfort during bowel movements. The solution used in this type of enema should be administered at a temperature close to body temperature, typically around 98°F (36°C). This is essential for several reasons:

1. Comfort: If the enema solution is too hot or too cold, it may cause discomfort, cramping, or even harm to the delicate mucosal lining of the rectum and colon. A solution at body temperature ensures minimal disruption to the body’s natural environment and is less likely to cause discomfort during administration.
2. Effectiveness: Enema solutions that are too cold can cause reflexive tightening of the rectal and colon muscles, leading to ineffective retention of the enema. This could result in the premature expulsion of the solution before it can lubricate the fecal matter. On the other hand, solutions that are too hot may irritate or even damage the rectal mucosa, causing inflammation or burns. Using a solution at body temperature helps the muscles to relax and improves the retention of the enema, allowing the oil to thoroughly coat and soften the stool.
3. Safety: Administering a solution that is too hot (e.g., 110°F or higher) can result in thermal injury to the mucosal lining, while a solution that is too cold may induce shock, discomfort, or spasm. A body-temperature solution strikes the right balance between comfort and safety, ensuring effective softening of the stool without adverse effects.

In summary, administering the enema at body temperature ensures both patient comfort and the effectiveness of the enema while avoiding potential complications from extreme temperatures. Therefore, answer C is the most appropriate response.