Scribd
Upload
139 views2 pages

Assessing The Rectum and Anus

The document provides instructions for performing a rectal exam, including: 1) Preparing equipment like gloves and lubricant and explaining the procedure to the client. 2) Positioning the client in various positions depending on their sex and inspecting the anus and surrounding tissue. 3) Palpating the rectum to assess sphincter tone, masses, and tenderness while asking the client to bear down.

Uploaded by

3amabelle arevalo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
139 views2 pages

Assessing The Rectum and Anus

The document provides instructions for performing a rectal exam, including: 1) Preparing equipment like gloves and lubricant and explaining the procedure to the client. 2) Positioning the client in various positions depending on their sex and inspecting the anus and surrounding tissue. 3) Palpating the rectum to assess sphincter tone, masses, and tenderness while asking the client to bear down.

Uploaded by

3amabelle arevalo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Ateneo de Zamboanga University

COLLEGE OF NURSING

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CHECKLIST

NAME: _____________________________________ DATE PERFORMED: _________________


YEAR & SECTION: ______________

PURPOSE:

1. To inspect the anus and surrounding tissue for color, integrity , and skin lesions.
2. To palpate the rectum for anal sphincter tonicity ,nodules ,masses , and tenderness.

ASSESSING THE RECTUM AND ANUS

PREPARATION 1 2 3 4 5
1. Assemble equipment:
 Clean gloves
 Water-soluble lubricant
PROCEDURE
1. Introduce yourself and verify the client’s identity.
Explain to the client what you are going to do, why it
is necessary, and how the client can cooperate.
Because digital examinations can cause
apprehension and embarrassment in the client, it is
important to help the client relax by encouraging the
client to take deep breaths and informing the client
about potential sensations such as feelings of
defecation or passing gas.
2. Perform hand hygiene, apply gloves, and observe
other appropriate infection control procedures.
3. Provide for client privacy. Drape the client
appropriately to prevent the exposure of body parts.
4. Inquire if the client has any history of the following:
 Bright blood in stools, tarry black stools, diarrhea,
constipation, abdominal pain, excessive gas,
hemorrhoids, or rectal pain
 Family history of colorectal cancer
 When last stool specimen for occult blood was
performed, and the results
 For males, if not obtained during the genitourinary
examination, any signs or symptoms of prostate
enlargement
5. Position the client.
In adults, a left lateral or Sims’ position with the upper
leg acutely flexed is required for the examination.
For females: A dorsal recumbent position with hips
externally rotated and knees flexed or a lithotomy
position may be used.

For males: A standing position while the client bends


over the examining table may also be used.

Assessment
6. Inspect the anus and surrounding tissue for color,
integrity, and skin lesions.
Then, ask the client to bear down as though
defecating.
Describe the location of all abnormal findings in
terms of a clock, with the 12 o’clock position toward
the pubic symphysis.
7. Palpate the rectum for anal sphincter tonicity,
nodules, masses, and tenderness.
8. On withdrawing the finger from the rectum and anus,
observe it for feces. If ordered, perform a test for
occult blood on the stool.

9. Document findings in the client record.


TOTAL

________________________
Clinical Instructor
(sign over printed name)

You might also like