Which position is commonly used for an enema?

Which position is commonly used for an enema?

• A. Left Sims
• B. Supine
• C. Prone
• D. Right Sims

Answer: (A)

Gravitation and anatomy guide this choice. When a person is in the left side–lying position with the lower leg straight and the upper knee bent (Sims position), the rectum lines up with the sigmoid colon on the left side. That alignment lets the enema solution flow more easily by gravity into the lower parts of the colon and facilitates retention, which is why this position is commonly used for enema administration. It also tends to relax the anal sphincter and reduce the angle at which the tube must pass. Other positions don’t support that natural alignment as well. Lying on the back (supine) changes the way the colon curves relative to gravity and can make the solution flow less efficiently. Lying face down (prone) and lying on the right side (right Sims) don’t place the rectum and sigmoid colon in the most favorable orientation for enema administration, so they’re not the typical choices.

Gravitation and anatomy guide this choice. When a person is in the left side–lying position with the lower leg straight and the upper knee bent (Sims position), the rectum lines up with the sigmoid colon on the left side. That alignment lets the enema solution flow more easily by gravity into the lower parts of the colon and facilitates retention, which is why this position is commonly used for enema administration. It also tends to relax the anal sphincter and reduce the angle at which the tube must pass.

Other positions don’t support that natural alignment as well. Lying on the back (supine) changes the way the colon curves relative to gravity and can make the solution flow less efficiently. Lying face down (prone) and lying on the right side (right Sims) don’t place the rectum and sigmoid colon in the most favorable orientation for enema administration, so they’re not the typical choices.