A nurse is administering a tap-water enema to a client. The client reports cramping as the nurse instills the irrigating solution. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to relieve the client's discomfort?

From the given statements, the nurse can identify the following statements as indicating the effectiveness of cimetidine treatment:

"I don't have as much heartburn after I eat anymore.": Cimetidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist commonly used to reduce stomach acid production. Decreased heartburn after eating suggests that the medication has been effective in reducing excessive acid production and relieving heartburn symptoms.

"I can sleep while lying flat again.": Cimetidine can help alleviate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by reducing stomach acid. Improved ability to sleep while lying flat suggests that the medication has successfully reduced acid reflux and related symptoms.

The following statements do not directly indicate the effectiveness of cimetidine treatment: ● "I noticed that I have had less urge to smoke lately."

● "I occasionally have stomach pain and dark stools."

● "I have not been as dizzy as I was before."

These statements may be unrelated to the effects of cimetidine or may require further assessment to determine their significance. It's important for the nurse to address any concerns or symptoms mentioned by the client and evaluate their overall response to the medication

When the client experiences cramping during the enema administration, it indicates that the colon is becoming distended. By allowing the client to expel some of the fluid, the pressure in the colon is reduced, which can help alleviate the discomfort and cramping. The nurse should pause the administration of the enema and allow the client to release some fluid before continuing.

The other options mentioned are not appropriate or effective actions to relieve the client's discomfort:

Lowering the height of the solution container: Lowering the height of the solution container will decrease the force of the fluid flow but may not address the underlying cause of the cramping. Allowing the client to expel some fluid is a more appropriate intervention.

Stopping the enema and documenting that the client did not tolerate the procedure: While it is important to monitor the client's tolerance during the procedure, abruptly stopping the enema and documenting intolerance may not be necessary if the discomfort can be relieved by allowing the client to expel some fluid. The nurse should prioritize relieving the discomfort before deciding to stop the procedure.

Encouraging the client to bear down: Bearing down or pushing can increase intra-abdominal pressure and exacerbate the cramping. This action is not recommended in this situation.