When preparing a soapsuds enema for an adult client, what position should the nurse assist the client into?

The left Sims' position is the preferred position for administering a soapsuds enema to an adult client because it optimizes the flow of the enema solution into the rectum. This position involves the client lying on their left side with the right knee bent and brought up toward the chest. This anatomical positioning helps to straighten the rectal canal, allowing the solution to reach the colon more effectively. Additionally, being in the left Sims' position reduces discomfort and promotes better relaxation of the anal sphincter, facilitating the enema's administration.

In contrast, other positions such as supine (lying flat on the back) and prone (lying flat on the stomach) do not provide the same level of accessibility for the rectal area and can hinder the progression of the fluid. The right lateral position, while somewhat beneficial, does not offer as much of a direct route to the sigmoid colon compared to the left Sims' position. Hence, the left Sims' position is specifically recommended for enema administration to enhance the procedure's effectiveness and the client's comfort.