Administering an Enema

Presented by Amy Rose and Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board

12-Month Subscription

Unlimited access to:

Thousands of CE Courses
Patient Education
Home Exercise Program
And more

Subscribe Now

First Chapter Free Buy Course

Video Runtime: 4 Minutes

Though constipation can usually be avoided with the correct application of a closely monitored bowel regimen, sometimes constipation that is chronic or related to disease processes requires the administration of an enema. In this training, we’ll review the equipment and procedures for administering an enema. This course includes
• Video demonstrations of procedures
• Downloadable procedure guide PDFs
• Tips and best practices for performing these procedures

Enemas are liquids instilled into the lower bowel to assist in the evacuation of stool or gas. Enemas can also be utilized to instill medications; however, this learning module specifically addresses the utilization of enemas for the treatment of constipation or fecal impaction. Enemas can be administered by RNs, LPNs, or aides if they have had special training and their scope of practice allows. Patients or family caregivers can also be educated on how to administer enemas.

This course was reviewed by Amy Rose, RN, MSN, CHPN, and Jennifer Kennedy, EdD, MA, BSN, RN, CHC, to ensure the content meets current professional guidelines and best evidence-based practices.

Meet your instructors

Amy Rose

Amy Rose is a passionate end-of-life-care nurse, leader, and educator. Amy holds an applied nursing master’s degree in executive leadership and has dedicated the majority of her career to developing both people and processes in the post-acute care space. Amy has worked in clinically and technically complex roles ranging from…

Read full bio

Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board

The MedBridge Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board ensures the development and maintenance of up-to-date and evidence-based clinical procedures. The review board is composed of leading nurse experts in the field: Danielle Pierotti, RN, PhD, CENP, and Margherita Labson, RN, BSN, MSHSA. The review board is involved in…

Read full bio

Chapters & learning objectives

1. Introduction

This chapter includes an introduction to administering an enema, information on all of the equipment needed for this procedure, and recommended infection control policies.

2. Procedure: Administering an Enema

This chapter will provide a step-by-step procedure guide and video demonstration of administering an enema.

3. Tips, Precautions, and Care Considerations

This chapter provides tips and considerations for performing these skills in the home.

4. Documentation Guidelines

This chapter provides recommendations on what to note when documenting for patients receiving an enema.

5. Patient Education

This chapter provides information on what education patients need to support self-management of their care.

6. Conclusion

This chapter includes learning assessment questions to assess the learner’s knowledge of skills covered in this course. A bibliography of referenced material is also included.