Nursing Care for a Barium Enema

A barium enema is a radiographic procedure used to view the rectum and large intestine. Nurses are sometimes responsible for preparing the patient and providing aftercare. X-ray technicians perform the actual exam.

Diet

• Patients are usually restricted to a liquid diet for 24 to 48 hours before the exam. They should not eat or drink after midnight on the day of the barium enema.

Bowel Preparation

• A nurse might be ordered to administer laxatives or a cleansing enema for bowel preparation. The patient's large intestine must be empty of stool to get useful images.

Hydration

• Nurses should encourage the patient to consume plenty of liquids before and after the exam. This helps to prevent dehydration and constipation. Barium is a dehydrating substance.

Teaching

• It's important to educate the patient about the purpose of the exam and bowel preparation. When possible, let him know what to expect ahead of time. Inform the client that it's normal to have white stools for a few days after the procedure.

Aftercare

• In an inpatient setting, nurses should be prepared to allow the client to rest and eat after the procedure. The patient might be given a laxative for constipation or to get rid of any barium that remains.