Rectal Examination Flashcards
Remember
Refer to them as Mr/Mrs
How do you examine the perinal area?
Gently separate the buttocks to inspect the perianal area
Look at the shape of the anus
Anal tone
Strain down
Descent of anus
Rectal prolapse
When inserting finger, maker sure to place the pulp of finger on..
Posterior anal margin
In which order do you assess the walls of the rectum?
Posterior and posterolateral walls first
Anterior and anterolateral walls after
What are you feeling for?
Presence/absence of faeces - consistency
Palpable abnormalities (e.g irregularity in rectal wall or a mass within the lumen of the rectum)
Ask patient to bear down
What can you do as you withdraw your finger?
Feel for any irregularities within the anal canal
Examine gloved finger for stool colour and for any blood, mucus and pus