What is the primary use of an enema?

The primary use of an enema is for bowel cleansing and evacuation. Enemas involve the introduction of liquid into the rectum and colon, which helps stimulate bowel movements and can assist in the removal of stool. This can be particularly important in situations such as preparing a patient for medical examinations like colonoscopy, managing constipation, or cleansing the bowel before surgery. The effectiveness of an enema in achieving immediate results in bowel clearance makes it a valuable tool in clinical and home care settings.

In contrast, the other options serve distinct purposes that do not align with the primary application of enemas. Treating infections generally involves systemic medications, while oral medication administration pertains to the ingestion of drugs for systemic access rather than localized treatment. Applying medication to the skin suggests a topical route, which is a different method of drug administration. Thus, while these options may be relevant in their own rights, they do not pertain to the established and primary function of an enema.