1. Vaginal and Rectal Drugs
Chapter 13

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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 minutes

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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