What is the primary aim of performing a cleansing enema in cases of hepatic encephalopathy?

The primary aim of performing a cleansing enema in cases of hepatic encephalopathy is to remove toxins. Hepatic encephalopathy occurs when the liver is unable to adequately remove toxins from the blood, leading to an accumulation of substances such as ammonia that can negatively affect brain function.

By using a cleansing enema, the process helps to cleanse the bowel, thereby promoting the elimination of these toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. This can help reduce the overall burden of toxins that may contribute to the neurological symptoms seen in hepatic encephalopathy. In this context, the enema serves as a method to assist in the detoxification process by expelling toxins that might otherwise be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Other options, such as hydrating the patient or relieving constipation, may have their own importance in the overall care of patients but are not the primary aim of the cleansing enema specific to hepatic encephalopathy management. Inducing vomiting is also not typically indicated in such cases, as it doesn’t directly address the toxins that contribute to the condition and could potentially complicate the patient's clinical status.