Nursing times
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Phosphate enemas are commonly used by community nurses in the treatment of constipation. This article reports on a literature review of evidence relating to their use. No evidence was found to support the use of these enemas conclusively, although a number of articles reported risks, contraindications, and complications. Phosphate enemas should therefore be used with caution and nurses should be aware of the contraindications associated with their use.
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The law surrounding the withholding or withdrawal of feeding from patients is complex and dependent upon case law (also known as common law or judge-made law). There are no statutory provisions and the leading case in this area is the Tony Bland case (Alredale NHS Trust v Bland, 1993).