Since the xray had been done, I would have given the enema.  IF an xray had not been done, then I would not have done the enema

I would have waited for the X-ray

I agree with checking the xray before you do anything too..........I'd also have the chargenurse back you up on this decision.

I have been a nurse for 20 years and I always call the Md myself. I want to discuss MY PATIENT, with the Dr and if I have a question I ask it. If I would have been given an order for a enema I would have suggested a xray, most the time the Dr will go, Oh yea get an xray, or no give the enema. Then I would decide what I felt comfortable with. I did not start out with this confidence, but after many years you learn which MD's you can go, "Hey Dr. so in so, Mrs. so in so, is having abdomenal pain, can we get an Xray?"

As far as charge nurses not backing you, then they can do it, if you do not feel comfortable. Just remember that is your Mom or Dad in the bed, and what would you want done if that is the case? Learn to always trust your gut... If you haven't been a nurse for very long, it will come, just keep trusting your gut reaction.

Everyone I have ever talked to who had something go wrong with a patient, usually said they had a GUT feeling. (Obviously not in every situation, but you get my drift).

Best of luck...

Ok now I'm confused.  You said the X-ray had been done and it showed constipation and the dr ordered an enema.  I should have asked was it a fleets or the old fashioned soap suds?  Also I didn't see that you didn't personally have a chat with the dr.  Why did you not speak personally with the dr?

Since you re-explained things, then I have to say you did the correct thing.  It could have been a bowel obstruction, aneurysm, appendicitis, ovarian cyst and a butt load of other things.  I just want to say in your first post, it seemed the Xray had been done and showed constipation. 

I also want to say, I don't want to ever work where you do, because I'm responsible for my patients, as the assigned professional caregiver, not the charge nurse. 

This is a very old fashioned and dangerous policy, putting your license and the licenses of the other nurses in jeopardy.  This kind of policy was popular way back in the 70's and earlier when docs were still considered the "captain of the ship" and should only be disturbed when absolutely necessary.

dmazment says ...

Since you re-explained things, then I have to say you did the correct thing.  It could have been a bowel obstruction, aneurysm, appendicitis, ovarian cyst and a butt load of other things.  I just want to say in your first post, it seemed the Xray had been done and showed constipation. 

I also want to say, I don't want to ever work where you do, because I'm responsible for my patients, as the assigned professional caregiver, not the charge nurse. 

This is a very old fashioned and dangerous policy, putting your license and the licenses of the other nurses in jeopardy.  This kind of policy was popular way back in the 70's and earlier when docs were still considered the "captain of the ship" and should only be disturbed when absolutely necessary.

Im confused, its been a long and tiring weekend!    Joni.........your hospital states the charge nurse calls the md, not you?  Geeeeeeez, that's just plain weird and dangerous.  When I said to have the charge nurse back you up..........I meant that he/she be informed and stand by policy/procedure of the facility.