Rectal Exam Flashcards
Which areas do you inspect during a Rectal PE?
Sacrococcygeal (pilonidal) and perianal
Asking the patient to bear down will make what more apparent during rectal PE?
Fistulas, fissures, rectal prolapse, polyps and internal hemorrhoids
What angle will you insert your fingers into the anal canal at the anal orifice?
90 degrees
A lax anal sphincter is indicative of?
Neurological injury
In what sequence will you palpate the rectal walls?
Posterior, lateral, anterior
How should the rectal walls feel and what should you be noting?
Rectal walls should feel smooth, even and uninterrupted
Note any nodules, masses, polyps, tenderness or other irregularities
What structure divides the prostate in left and right halves?
Prostatic sulcus
What are the dimensions of a healthy prostate?
4cm in diameter with less than 1 cm protrusion
The median sulcus should be palpable unless there is?
Hypertrophy or neoplasm
Stony hard nodules found during rectal PE is indicative of?
Carcinomas
Which lab could conduct during rectal PE?
Fecal occult blood test if indicated
What does light tan/gray stools indicate?
Obstructive jaundice
What does tarry black stool indicate?
Upper GI bleed
What does bright red blood in stool indicate?
Lower GI bleed
