enema and suppository

Nurses General Nursing

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My pt has orders to give fleets enema if no BM in 3 days. She also has a routine glycerin supp. On that day. Is it okay to give both or should I just give the supp?

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

Is the supp. ordered daily? If it is and the pt still has not had a BM in the 3 days I would give the enema as ordered, hold the supp. for a later time (after the enema has taken it's full effect).. Depending on how the orders are written, you may not need to give the supp after the enema if the pt had a BM.

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Thanks...the suppository is routine 3 days a week and the enema is ordered if she doesn't have a bowel movement in 3 days. Hmmm...

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

I personally would not give the suppository and just give the enema if indicated.

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Specializes in Give me a new assignment each time:).

Okay if suppository is a routine order, you give it as ordered. Wait for result for however long the med is supposed to take have an effect. Your decision to give enema is dependent on the outcome of suppository administration. So your enema order is Plan B, if suppository is not helping with the BM. If patient has diarrhea, you hold the laxative, and document it.

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Thanks to all who responded. I opted to just give her the suppositiry and it worked a lot better than anticipated! : )

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