When preparing for an excretory urography, what action should a nurse take regarding bowel preparation?

Administering an enema is essential for bowel preparation before an excretory urography, also known as intravenous pyelography. This imaging procedure requires that the bowel is as clear as possible to provide unobstructed visualization of the renal structures and urinary tract. By performing an enema, the nurse helps evacuate any fecal matter, which could potentially obscure images or interfere with the interpretation of the results.

Proper bowel preparation ensures a clean field for the imaging study, enhancing the accuracy of the results. If the bowel is not adequately prepared, it can lead to diagnostic inaccuracies or the need to repeat the procedure, thus delaying appropriate patient care. Other actions such as encouraging a high-fiber diet or permitting oral intake may not adequately cleanse the bowel, and skipping pre-procedure medications could compromise patient safety and comfort. Therefore, administering an enema is a critical step in preparing the patient for excretory urography.