The nurse is performing a colostomy irrigation on a male client.
During the irrigation, the client begins to complain of abdominal cramps. What is the appropriate nursing action?
a- Notify the physician
b- Stop the irrigation temporarily
c- Increase the height of the irrigation
d- Medicate for pain and resume the irrigation
Answer B.
If cramping occurs during a colostomy irrigation, the irrigation flow is stopped temporarily and the client is allowed to rest.
Cramping may occur from an infusion that is too rapid or is causing too much pressure.
The physician does not need to be notified.
Increasing the height of the irrigation will cause further discomfort. Medicating the client for pain is not the appropriate action in this.
Labels
Gastrointestinal Diseases