Chapter 6: Non Parenteral Medication Administration
6.4 Administering medications Rectally and Vaginally
Critical Thinking Exercises: Questions, Answers, and Sources / References
- Discuss the procedure for administering a suppository for someone with a colostomy.
Answer: Obtain the order. Use water soluble lubricant. Lubricate the suppository. Insert the supp into the ostomy using your smallest finger. Insert the length of your smallest finger. Stop if resistance is felt.
Sources: Lilley, L. L., Rainforth Collins, S., Snyder, J. S., Collins, S., & Swart, B. (2016). Pharmacology for Canadian health care practice (3rd ed.). Toronto, ON: Elsevier Canada.
Perry, A., Potter, P., & Ostendorf, W. (2018). Clinical skills and nursing techniques (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier-Mosby.
2. Your patient prefers to self-administer her vaginal suppository. Outline the steps you would explain for safe and appropriate administration of a vaginal medication.
Answer: Use water soluble lubricant. Lubricate the suppository. Insert the supp into the vagina pushing it in the length of the index finger that is guiding it.
Sources: Lilley, L. L., Rainforth Collins, S., Snyder, J. S., Collins, S., & Swart, B. (2016). Pharmacology for Canadian health care practice (3rd ed.). Toronto, ON: Elsevier Canada.
Perry, A., Potter, P., & Ostendorf, W. (2017). Clinical skills and nursing techniques (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier-Mosby.
- When teaching about effective use of suppositories, the nurse should include the following (select all that apply):
| Distractors | Answer | |
| a. | The suppository must be against the wall of the bowel in order for the medication to be absorbed. | correct |
| b. | The suppository must be placed just outside the internal sphincter | incorrect. The suppository must be inside the internal sphincter otherwise it may fall out before it has an opportunity to be effective |
| c. | They are contraindicated in persons with rectal bleeding | correct. Rectal bleeding should be investigated before suppositories are used thus avoiding any additional potential trauma).
|
| d. | Vaseline is an acceptable lubricant | incorrect. Petroleum products can interfere with medication absorption |
Sources: Lilley, L. L., Rainforth Collins, S., Snyder, J. S., & Swart, B. (2016). Pharmacology for Canadian health care practice (3rd ed.). Toronto, ON: Elsevier Canada.
Perry, A., Potter, P., & Ostendorf, W. (2018). Clinical skills and nursing techniques (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier-Mosby.