Procedures related to elimination : Enemas & Ostomies

  • Procedures related to elimination
    • Enemas
      • Purpose
      • Techniques (age/weight appropriate)
        • If prepared saline is not available, the nurse can make some by adding 1 tsp of table salt to 500 mL (1 pint) of tap water.
        • An enema is an intrusive procedure and thus threatening to preschool children
          • Therefore, a careful explanation is especially important to ease possible fear.
    • Ostomies
      • Purpose
      • Techniques
        • The major emphasis in pediatric care is preparing the child for the procedure and teaching care of the ostomy to the child and family.
      • Skin/stoma care
        • Ostomy equipment consists of a one- or two-piece system with a hypoallergenic skin barrier to maintain peristomal skin integrity.
        • The pouch should be large enough to contain a moderate amount of stool and flatus but not so large as to overwhelm the infant or child.
        • A backing helps minimize the risk for skin breakdown from moisture trapped between the skin and pouch. 
        • Avoid small clips and rubber bands to prevent choking in young children.

Share:

More Posts

Managing Asthma in Schools

For Everyone AT A GLANCE Asthma is a leading chronic illness among children and adolescents in the United States. It is one of the leading

All About High Blood Pressure

For Everyone KEY POINTS High blood pressure (hypertension) is consistently at or above 130/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure typically has no signs or symptoms

Flu and People with Diabetes

r Everyone MAR. 20, 2024 PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF SEASONAL INFLUENZA WITH VACCINES: RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON IMMUNIZATION PRACTICES — UNITED STATES, 2025-2026