NUR 324 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Douche, Defecation, Infection
1 Sep 2016
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Allow patients to insert own vaginal medication if able. Female patients often develop vaginal infections that require topical application of anti-infective agents. May be suppository, creams, jelly, or foam. Individually packaged in wrappers (must remove prior to application) Size and shape: smaller and more oval than rectal suppository. Melt at body temperature; refrigeration may be required. Douche or vaginal irrigations: place patient on bedpan with absorbent pad underneath, position patient in dorsal recumbent with knees flexed. Make sure fluids are at body temperature. Drugs given rectally exert either a local effect on gastrointestinal mucosa, such a promoting defecation, or a systemic effect, such as relieving nausea or providing analgesia. Not as reliable as oral or parenteral routes in terms of absorption or distribution. Relatively safe and rarely cause local irritation or side-effects. Contraindicated in clients with rectal surgery or active rectal bleeding. May be self-administered by patient if given specific instructions and pt physically able.
