If a patient claims they are not receiving an enema, what should you do first?

The most appropriate initial action is to recheck the patient's chart and verify their orders. This step is crucial because it ensures you have a clear understanding of the patient's treatment plan and any orders related to enemas, thus confirming whether an enema is indeed required.

By reviewing the chart, you can determine if there was an intended order for the procedure or if there may have been changes that the patient is not aware of. This helps in avoiding potential errors, such as administering a treatment that was not ordered or missing medication or treatments that should have been given.

Once you have verified the information in the chart, you can then proceed with the next appropriate steps based on what you find, whether that involves discussing it further with the patient or addressing anything with the doctor. The focus on verifying existing orders puts patient safety first and ensures that you are acting on the most accurate information available.