Enema administration techniques used by experienced registered nurses.

The enema has evolved through trial and error, not scientific investigation. Because little scientific base exists, the authors began their study of enemas by examining current nursing practice. They asked 24 experienced registered nurses to describe how they give enemas, and if they had seen any complications. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative analysis software. The authors found that the nurses emphasized patient cooperation, preparation, and comfort; had observed few complications, and had difficulty describing quantitative aspects of enemas (e.g., amount of solution given, speed of administration).