PR Exam

Question 1

What is important before the exam begins?

Answer 1

Introduce self to patient, explain nature and purpose of procedure and gets informed consent, offers chaperone for the examination and advise patient procedure may be uncomfortable but usually not painful

Question 2

What position should the patient be lying in?

Answer 2

Left lateral decubitus position

Question 3

What should be done after patient lies in correct position?

Answer 3

• Put gloves on and spread buttocks with left hand, inspecting the sacro-coccygeal and perianal area for lumps, ulcers, rashes, inflammation, scars or excoriation and evidence of bleeding
• Lubricate right index finger, advising patient what is to be done, and ask patient to press down, gently inspecting anus for lesions

Question 4

How is the examination carried out?

Answer 4

• Insert finger into anus, palpating the right and left, lateral and posterior surfaces, noting any abnormality, then anterior surface and prostate gland
• Comment on size, consistency and structure of prostate gland
• Comment on other possible findings e.g. uterus, rectal mass, ulcer
• Ask patient to squeeze finger to assess tone of sphincter
• Withdraw finger inspecting for blood and/or mucus (commenting on this)

Question 5

How is the exam finished?

Answer 5

Disposal of gloves and other materials correctly, provide summary and wash hands before and after