ENEMAS
Position for an Enema. Lie on left side, knees brought up against abdomen, with the left arm well underneath. This will relax the abdominal muscles and allow the water to pass upward more freely. The water should be allowed to flow until it is felt low on the right side.
The one, two, three enema is an injection that is used for the relief of gas in the bowel. It consists of the following: One part epsom salts, two parts glycerine, and three parts soap suds. It is introduced by the aid of the colon tube and retained as long as is possible.
Glycerine and soapy water, equal parts, may be introduced into the bowel for temporary relief of a persistent constipation.
In instances when feeding by the mouth is impossible, nutrient enemas should be given every three or four hours during the day. The absorption does not take place in the large bowel as readily as in the small intestines, so only a small amount of a more highly concentrated solution is given at one time. A child one year of age will be given one teaspoon, from one to four years of age a teaspoon to a tablespoon is allowed, and up to twelve years from one to eight tablespoons are given in the nutrient enema. Peptonized meat preparations may be employed in greater concentration than directed by the use of the mouth. Peptonized milk containing an egg is often used. The pepsin is added to the mixture only when warm, and is injected at once.