Instruct your client to eat a low residue diet 2 to 3 days before the procedure. Give him examples of low residue food like pasta, eggs and potatoes.
Make sure that all abdominal studies are done before the barium enema test. Studies include, abdominal x-rays, ultrasounds and radionuclide studies.
Withhold your clients oral medications 24 hours before the barium enema procudure if ordered by his physician. Ask the client to maintain a clear liquid diet 24 hours before the procedure.
Administer cleansing enemas to your patient the evening before and the morning of the test. Administer a maximum of three enemas the day of the procedure till your patients output is clear.
Increase your clients fluid intake after the procedure to prevent constipation and promote expulsion of the barium. Give laxatives as ordered to help your client expel the barium as quickly as possible.