Administration should include knowledge of the purpose of rectal medicines to treat seizure, fever, nausea, vomiting, pain, and constipation.
Administration should include following the appropriate steps for administering suppositories:
- Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
- Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
- Date and initial multi-use containers when opened.
- Wash your hands.
- Put on gloves.
- Instruct the client to urinate or move bowels, if possible.
- Position the client on the left side with the right leg flexed at the knee as tolerated.
- Remove the suppository wrapper.
- Moisten the suppository with water.
- Insert into the rectum approximately to the second knuckle.
- Wash reusable applicator with soap and water and store appropriately.
- Remove and properly dispose of gloves and wash your hands.
- Document in the MAR, per facility protocol.
Administration should include following the appropriate steps for administering external creams:
- Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
- Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
- Date and initial multi-use containers when opened.
- Wash your hands.
- Put on gloves.
- Instruct the client to urinate or move bowels, if possible.
- Apply a small amount of cream or ointment and gently rub it in.
- Remove and properly dispose of gloves and wash your hands.
- Document in the MAR, per facility protocol.
Administration should include following the appropriate steps for administering internal creams and ointments:
- Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
- Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
- Date and initial multi-use containers when opened.
- Wash your hands.
- Put on gloves.
- Instruct the client to urinate or move bowels, if possible.
- Attach the plastic applicator tube to the tube of cream or ointment.
- Insert the applicator tip into the rectum and gently squeeze the tube to deliver the medication.
- Remove the applicator tip from the tube and wash the applicator with hot, soapy water.
- Replace the cap on the tube.
- Remove and properly dispose of gloves and wash your hands.
- Document in the MAR, per facility protocol.
Administration should include following the appropriate steps for administering enemas:
- Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
- Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
- Date and initial multi-use containers when opened.
- Wash your hands.
- Put on gloves.
- Instruct the client to urinate or move bowels, if possible.
- Insert the enema tip three to four inches into the rectum.
- Allow all fluid to run into the rectum.
- See the HCP’s order or package directions for instructions for specific enema products.
- Remove and properly dispose of gloves and wash your hands.
- Document in the MAR, per facility protocol.
Note: The administration of enemas requires additional knowledge, skills, and clinical practice that are not addressed in this curriculum. Instructors should emphasize this and warn students to never force rectal products, especially applicators for creams and enemas, because there is a danger of bowel perforation.
Process/Skill Questions:
- How long should the patient remain lying down after administration of the suppository?
- What patient education should be provided before and after enema administration?