PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF THE ANUS, RECTUM AND PROSTATE Flashcards
What are some areas of inspection during the examination of the anus, rectum, and prostate?
- Sacrococcygeal (pilonidal) area
- Perianal area
- Anus
During the inspection phase of your exam, after asking the patient to bear down, what are some things you are looking for?
- fistulas
- fissures
- rectal prolapse
- polyps
- internal hemorrhoids
When palpating the anal ring, a lax sphincter could be indicative of what?
Neurological injury or deficit
When palpating the posterior, lateral, and anterior rectal walls what are something of note to look for?
- nodules
- masses
- polyps
- tenderness
- other irregularities
True or False
The rectal walls should feel smooth, even and uninterrupted
True
What divides the male prostate into right and left lateral surfaces?
Prostatic sulcus
A normal healthy prostate has a diameter of approximately how many centimeters with less that a what centimeter protrusion into the rectum?
- 4cm
2. 1cm
The median sulcus of the prostate should be palpable but may be obliterated if what is suspected?
- hypertrophy
2. neoplasm
A rubbery or boggy consistency to the prostate is indicative of what?
hypertrophy or infection
Stony hard nodules on the prostate can be indicative of what?
Carcinomas
What may be palpable on females during a rectal exam?
- retroflexed uterus
- retroverted uterus
- cervix through the anterior rectal wall
Persistent pencil like stool may indicate what?
- permanent stenosis
- scarring
- presence of malignancy
Light tan/gray stools may suggest what?
Obstructive jaundice
A patient with a potential upper GI bleed would have what kind of stool?
Tarry black stool
A patient presents with bright red blood in their stool, what would be suspected in this case?
Lower GI bleed
