Title: Administer rectal products.
Course: Medication Aide (14051-18) > Section: Examining Administration of Prepared Instillations and Treatments

Administration should include

- knowledge of the purpose of rectal medicines to treat seizure, fever, nausea, vomiting, pain, and constipation
- following the appropriate steps for administering suppositories
  - Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
  - Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
  - Wash your hands.
  - Put on gloves.
  - Instruct the client to urinate or move bowels, if possible.
  - Position the client on the left side with the right leg flexed at the knee.
  - Remove the suppository wrapper.
  - Moisten the suppository with water.
  - Insert into the rectum approximately to the second knuckle.
  - Properly dispose of gloves and wash your hands.
  - Document accurately in the MAR.

- following the appropriate steps for administering external creams:
  - Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
  - Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
  - Wash your hands.
  - Put on gloves.
  - Instruct the client to urinate or move bowels, if possible.
  - Apply a small amount of cream or ointment and gently rub it in.
  - Properly dispose of gloves and wash your hands.
  - Document accurately in the MAR.

- following the appropriate steps for administering internal creams and ointments:
  - Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
  - Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
  - Wash your hands.
  - Put on gloves.
  - Instruct the client to urinate or move bowels, if possible.
  - Attach the plastic applicator tube to the tube of cream or ointment.
  - Insert the applicator tip into the rectum and gently squeeze the tube to deliver the medication.
  - Remove the applicator tip from the tube and wash the applicator with hot, soapy water.
  - Replace the cap on the tube.
  - Properly dispose of gloves and wash your hands.
  - Document accurately in the MAR.

- following the appropriate steps for administering enemas:
  - Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
  - Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
  - Wash your hands.
  - Put on gloves.
  - Instruct the client to urinate or move bowels, if possible.
  - Insert the enema tip into the rectum.
  - Allow all fluid to run into the rectum.
  - See the HCP’s order or package directions for instructions for specific enema products.
  - Properly dispose of gloves and wash your hands.
  - Document accurately in the MAR.

Note: The administration of enemas requires additional knowledge, skills, and clinical practice that are not addressed in this curriculum. Instructors should emphasize this and warn students to never force rectal products, especially applicators for creams and enemas, because there is a danger of bowel perforation.