Adult Bowel Care Policy.pdf - NHS North Somerset

Appendix 2
Procedure for Undertaking Manual Removal of Faeces
Special attention should be paid to those patients susceptible to autonomic dysreflexia ,
spinal cord injury T6 or above.
Equipment
• Plastic-backed absorbent sheet;
• Non-latex disposable gloves & apron
• Gauze swabs;
• Lubricating jelly.
• Rubbish Bag
Action Rationale
Complete bowel assessment with the
patient
Check the individual situation to identify
exclusions, contra-indications or
circumstances when extra caution is
required
To see if the procedure is necessary
To see if there is a particular risk for
the patient
Discuss the treatment with the patient To ensure that the patient understands
the reason for the procedure
Explain the procedure and gain
consent and document if consent is
given or document why the procedure
is in the best interest of the patient if
they are unable to give valid consent
To ensure the patient understands
what the procedure entails and gives
valid consent
Ensure the patient has privacy To avoid unnecessary embarrassment
Take the patient’s pulse rate at rest
prior to the procedure
Take the baseline blood pressure in all
spinal injury patients
Cover the bed with a protective layer
and ensure a suitable receiver is at
hand
Assist the patient into an appropriate
and comfortable position, normally
To find the baseline pulse to monitor
for changes
To find the baseline blood pressure to
monitor for changes
To reduce possible infection caused by
soiled linen and to avoid
embarrassment
This positioning, if feasible allows ease
of entry into the rectum following the
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Adult Bowel Care Policy PS 337 06/2009 1 06/2010 23 of 42
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