9. Stimulating enemata, like hot water, hot strong coffee, hot whisky and
water, salt water.
10. To relieve thirst, water one pint or normal salt solution (one dram to
a pint of water) and injected high up.
[NURSING DEPARTMENT 639]
ENEMATA are given either high or low.
A high enemas thrown high up into the bowel.
A low enema is injected into the rectum only, through a hard rubber tip to
a syringe.
Directions.--There are many ways of giving a simple enema.
Position.--A good way is to place an adult patient on his left side, with
the knees bent up close. Protect the bed with a rubber sheet and towel
under the patient. The basin of water can be placed on the rubber sheet
and the enema given under cover.
Amount.--An adult person will take one to four pints. A child one-half to
one pint. For an infant about two ounces will do.
What material? A simple enema can be made with good castile soap or good
brown soap and water, temperature about 95 degrees F. When ready for use
make into a good suds.
Syringe.--Use a bulb syringe, see that the syringe is filled full to the
nozzle before the nozzle is put into the bowel. Any air left in the
syringe will pass into the bowel and cause pain. Oil the nozzle with
vaselin or sweet oil and then gently put the nozzle into the rectum. It is
better to introduce an oiled finger through the sphincter muscle and pass
the nozzle along the finger and gently into the bowel. It should be in the
bowel two or three inches. Do not attempt to force the nozzle through any
obstruction. Introduce the water slowly in a gentle and steady stream. The
main object is to distend the rectum by means of the water, thereby
producing reflex stimulation. The worm-like movement of the bowels
results, thus bringing about an evacuation. The patient should retain it
for ten or fifteen minutes to get the best results. A folded towel placed
against the anus will assist the patient in resisting the desire to expel
the water. A large amount should be given in one-half hour if the first
one does not produce the desired result.
Sometimes a laxative enema is necessary.--Olive oil or glycerin or castor
oil may be used.
For olive oil, six ounces may be given in a hard rubber syringe; this is
seldom successful unless followed by a soap suds enema in one-half hour.
Glycerin enema, one-half ounce with equal quantity of warm water 95
degrees F., and give with a hard rubber syringe. This generally proves
successful, without an additional soap suds enema.
For infants and children the contents of a straight medicine dropper will
be sufficient.
Glycerin irritates the mucous membrane, and it is best that we add an
equal amount of olive oil.
If these enemata fail it will be necessary to use purgative enemata. These
are made by adding drugs, such as turpentine, rochelle or epsom salts or
castor oil in certain proportions to the simple enema. In giving castor
oil and water it is necessary first to mix the oil with the yolk of an egg
and then add the warm soap suds.
[640 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]