The nurse prepares to administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg rectally. Which does the nurse implement to administer the suppository properly?

Question

a. Assists the patient to right lateral position and flexes the left leg
b. Performs a preadministration digital rectal examination
c. Washes hands and applies sterile gloves before the procedure
d. Inserts the suppository 10 cm (4 inches) into the patient's rectum

Answer 1

D
The nurse inserts the suppository about 10 cm (4 inches) into the patient's rectum to clear the rectal sphincters because the sphincters help to keep the medication in the patient's rectum. The nurse assists the patient into the left lateral position to take advantage of the normal anatomy of the descending colon. This curvature in the colon helps to sequester the medication, contain it in the patient, and increase its effectiveness. The nurse avoids performing a digital examination be-fore inserting a suppository because it is not indicated. Washing hands is always a reasonable nursing action. Clean gloves are sufficient for this procedure because the nurse wants to avoid contamination from the rectum.