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?

The nurse typically auscultates the abdomen for bowel sounds before meals or at least 1-2 hours after meals. This timing allows for the assessment of both the presence and character of bowel sounds. It is important to note that bowel sounds can vary depending on factors such as the client's activity level, diet, and any underlying gastrointestinal conditions. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of bowel sounds should be conducted at different times to obtain an accurate representation of the client's bowel function.

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.