Safe use of rectal suppositories and enemas with adult patients
Intended for healthcare professionals
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Safe use of rectal suppositories and enemas with adult patients

Anne Pegram Lecturer, King’s College London, London
Jacqueline Bloomfield Lecturer, King’s College London, London
Anne Jones Lecturer, King’s College London, London

Medications that are given via the rectal route are prescribed for a variety of reasons and have either a local or systemic effect. The administration of suppositories and enemas is an intimate procedure which has the potential to cause embarrassment and discomfort for the patient. This article outlines the reasons for the use of rectal medications and recommends a procedure to be followed when giving them.

Nursing Standard. 22, 38, 39-41. doi: 10.7748/ns2008.05.22.38.39.c6564

Correspondence

anne.pegram@kcl.ac.uk

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

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