RECTAL FEEDING
Nutrient enemas should be given every six hours, unless otherwise ordered. It is necessary to cleanse the lower bowel with a saline or soapsuds enema at least once a day. The cleansing enema should be given one hour before the nutrient enema is to be given. The proper quantity for the nutrient enema is four to six ounces for an adult, and one to three ounces for a child. Nutrient enemas should be given slowly at very low pressure, the level of the fluid in the can being not over eight to ten inches above the level of the rectum. If the injected material is thick, a piston syringe may be required. The patient should be placed upon the left side with the hips well elevated and should be kept in that position for fifteen to twenty minutes after the enema has been given. The tube should be oiled and not be inserted more than three or four inches. The temperature of the enema should be about 98 degrees. If there is a strong tendency to evacuate the enema, pressure should be made against the rectum with a pad.
The following nutrient enemas may be ordered by name.
Glucose Enema.—Glucose (dextrose, grape sugar) 1 ounce, normal salt solution 5 ounces.
The glucose should first be dissolved in hot water. The amount of glucose may be increased, upon order, if no irritation is produced.
Pancreatinized Milk Enema.—Add 1 tube of peptonizing powder, or 1 to 2 drams of “Pancreatic solution” to 1 pint of skimmed milk. Stir well and place in a warm water bath for one-half hour. Add 1 dram of salt.
Milk and Egg Enema.—Thoroughly beat the whites of 2 eggs, add ⅓ dram of salt, and 6 ounces of skimmed milk. Add one tube of peptonizing powder, or 1 to 2 drams of “pancreatic solution,” stir well, and place in a warm water bath for one-half hour.
Milk, Egg, and Beef Juice Enema.—Mix the beaten whites of 2 eggs, 2 ounces of fresh beef juice, 6 ounces of skimmed milk, and ⅓ dram of salt. Add 1 tube of peptonizing powder, or 1 to 2 drams of “pancreatic solution,” stir well, place in a warm water bath for one-half hour.
Milk and Glucose Enema.—Add 1 tube of peptonizing powder to 6 ounces of skimmed milk, stir well, place in a warm water bath for one-half hour. Add 3 drams of glucose and ⅓ dram of salt.