e itself into a vaseline jar. Let
the solution flow into the bedpan until it runs warm and smoothly; a
jerky flow means presence of air bubbles which cause pain if injected
into the bowels. Unless the patient is able to do it herself, gently
insert the nozzle, and at the same time start the flow. Force must not
be used in inserting the nozzle, and the flow should be gentle; if the
solution goes in rapidly the patient may be unable to retain it. If
there is a desire to expel the enema as soon as the injection has begun,
shut off the current and wait a minute, meanwhile making gentle pressure
upon the patient's abdomen with one hand; then lower the bag a little
and begin again. A grown person should take from two to four pints, and
a child from one to two pints. After the enema is finished give the
bedpan immediately; the enema will, however, be more effective if
retained a few minutes. The bedpan should be given and removed according
to the directions on page 176. Sometimes an enema is expelled with such
violence that it soils the upper sheet; to protect the covers a rubber
sheet may be spread over the patient's knees and legs. Since an enema
sometimes causes nausea or faintness, a patient should be watched
constantly during the process.

To give an enema to a baby one may use a small syringe having a soft
rubber bulb with a nozzle directly attached, or the ordinary fountain
syringe with the small, hard rubber tip designed for infants. The enema
should be given in a warm room free from draughts, and the baby must be
warmly covered throughout the process. First cover the lap with a pad or
folded blanket. Upon the blanket place a warmed rubber sheet, and over
the rubber a warm diaper. Hold the baby on your lap, so that he lies on
his back with his knees drawn up. Hold his feet or legs firmly in your
left hand. Lubricate the nozzle thoroughly with vaseline. Be sure that
all the air is expelled from the syringe, and then proceed as already
directed. A baby will take from two or three ounces up to half a pint or
even more, according to the size of the child. After the injection is
finished place a small vessel under the baby's hips, and hold it until
the fluid has been expelled, keeping the child well covered all the
time.

After being used, the nozzle of a fountain syringe should be washed with
soap and water, boiled, dried and put away in a clean place. Inserting
the nozzle into the bag of the syringe immediately after wit