A nurse is caring for a patient who needs an enema. Which of these is the best position in which to place the patient followed by the correct description of the position?

The best position in which to place a patient prior to an enema is in Sim’s position. The patient lies on either side in the prone or lateral position with the upper leg flexed and drawn in toward the chest and the upper arm flexed at the elbow. The lateral position is followed by the correct description, but not the preferred positioning prior to an enema. Fowler’s position is the patient lying supine with the head of the bed elevated to various degrees. Fowler’s is best for those with cardiac or breathing problems and/or a nasogastric tube. The description given with Fowler’s is that of Trendelenberg, which may be useful in hypotensive patients. Right prone is not a patient position.