The nurse is caring for a patient with a fecal impaction. Which of the following

2 -- Oil retention enemas instill mineral or vegetable oil into the bowel to soften the fecal mass. The instilled oil is retained overnight or for several hours before evacuation. This is the most suitable choice for the patient with fecal impaction. The normal saline enema is used to soften the fecal mass and promote defecation in the least irritating manner. Tap water enemas soften the bowel and irritate the bowel to promote defecation. Soap suds provide an increased means to irritate the bowel to promote a bowel movement.