after breakfast, establish the irrigation routine for that time, rather than some other
arbitrary schedule.
b. Review the procedure with the patient, if necessary.
c. Wash your hands.
d. Assemble the necessary equipment (Equipment can be kept at the patient's
bedside or in the bathroom.)
(1) Irrigation kit (irrigation bag with clamp and tubing, cone-tip irrigation
catheter, irrigation drain pouch).
(2)
Water soluble lubricant.
(3)
IV pole (or other suspending hook).
(4)
Soap and water.
(5)
Washcloth and towel.
(6)
Ostomy appliance.
(7)
Waste receptacle.
(8)
Prescribed irrigating solution, usually 500-1000cc warm (100--105F)
tap water.
e. Provide for privacy.
f. If the patient is ambulatory, have the patient sit on the toilet or on a chair
facing the toilet. If the patient is bedridden, elevate the HOB 45-90and position Chux
around the patient.
g. Fill the irrigation bag with the prescribed solution and hang it on the IV pole or
hook.
(1) The bottom of the bag should be at the patient's shoulder level when he
is seated to prevent fluid from entering the bowel too rapidly.
(2) The bottom of the bag should be placed 18 to 20 inches above the
stoma when the patient is in bed.
h. Open the clamp on the irrigation tubing and allow the solution to fill the tubing.
Reclamp. (This prevents the administration of air into the intestines.)
MD0918
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