What should a nurse include in the care plan for a client on a bowel-training program after a spinal cord injury?

Including the administration of a rectal suppository 30 minutes before scheduled defecation times is an effective strategy in a bowel-training program, especially after a spinal cord injury. This approach assists in establishing a regular bowel routine and can help stimulate bowel movements. The rectal suppository works by promoting the emptying of the bowel by softening the stool and facilitating the urge to defecate, which can be particularly beneficial for clients who may have lost the normal sensations associated with bowel movements due to their injury.

In the context of a bowel-training program, establishing a consistent schedule is crucial to retraining the bowel. The timing of the suppository allows for an anticipated bowel movement. This can help patients regain some control over their bowel functions, which is often disrupted following a spinal cord injury.

While high fiber intake, increasing fluid intake, and regular bathroom visits are also important components of managing bowel health, the immediate action of administering a rectal suppository provides a more direct intervention to promote bowel movement at scheduled times, which is critical in a comprehensive bowel-training program.