Adult Bowel Care Policy.pdf - NHS North Somerset

Any of the above abnormalities
should be documented and
reported
Procedure
Prepare equipment To be prepared
Explain the procedure and potential
risks to the patient, and document
that consent has been given;
Encourage the patient to empty
their bladder, as DRE may cause
discomfort to a full bladder
Cover the bed with a protective
layer
To ensure the patient
understands and gives valid
consent.
To facilitate patient comfort
To reduce possible infection
caused by soiled linen and to
avoid embarrassment
Ensure the patient has privacy. this is an invasive and
embarrassing procedure
Ensure a commode or toilet is
nearby
Remove any clothing below the
waist and ensure the patient is
covered with a blanket
Assist the patient to adopt, if
possible, the left lateral position with
knees flexed to expose the
perineum and perianal area
Wash hands, and put on disposable
apron and gloves
Observe the perineal and perianal
area as above
Place some lubricating gel on a
swab and onto the gloved index
finger
DRE can stimulate the bowel
giving the urge to defecate
To avoid unnecessary
embarrassment
The left side is preferred
as it allows DRE to follow the
natural anatomy of the bowel
but it is not essential, for
example if a patient has a leftsided
weakness;
To minimise the risk of cross
infection
To ensure any conditions are
detected and treated
Lubricating reduces surface
friction thus eases insertion and
avoids anal and mucosal
Doc File Reference Issuer: Policy No: Issue Date: Issue No: Review Date: Page:
Adult Bowel Care Policy PS 337 06/2009 1 06/2010 21 of 42
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