Vaginal and Rectal Drugs Chapter 13

the vagina and rectum are lined with mucous membranes vaginal drugs usually given for local effects rectal drugs given for local & systemic effects drugs are given to prevent: Constipation Anal itching Hemorrhoids Vomiting Fever Bladder spasms

Vaginal drugs are usually creams gels tablets foams suppositories suppository: cone shaped, solid drug that is inserted into a body opening melts at body temperature larger and more oval shaped than rectal suppositories

Administering Vaginal and Rectal Drugs Practice hand hygiene before and after application follow standard precautions wear gloves provide privacy insert rounded end of suppository first if patient is self-administering remind them of nurses instructions

Vaginal Drugs administer suppositories at room temp have woman void before procedure position woman in lithotomy position apply perineal pad or panty shield after administering drug have woman remain supine with hips elevated for 5-10 minutes

Rectal Drugs if possible, ask patient to have bowel movement prior to administration position person in Sims’ position, if possible do NOT insert suppository into feces, it must have contact with rectal wall have person remain in position for 15-20 minutes

Vaginal Drugs (Delegation Guidelines) Before administering these drugs you need the following information: can the woman self-administer the drug if you should apply perineal pad or panty shield how to position woman after administration if applicator is to be discarded or washed how/where to store a re-usable applicator what observations to report and record, and when to report what specific concerns to report at once

Rectal Drugs suppositories are most common rectal drugs these drugs are generally NOT used: - after recent prostate surgery - after recent rectal trauma - if person has rectal bleeding - if person has diarrhea

Rectal Drugs (Delegation Guidelines) Before administering these drugs you need the following information: can the person self-administer the drug how to position person after administration what observations to report and record, and when to record: redness, swelling, discharge, bleeding or irritation color and amount of discharge or bleeding odor complaints of pain, burning or other discomfort nausea, vomiting respiratory rate temperature color, amount, consistency, shape and odor of stools amount and length of relief from pain, nausea or vomiting what specific concerns to report at once