HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 5-22
Genitourinary: Pessary- Removal, Care and Insertion __RN
PURPOSE: 6. Wash pessary with soap and water, dry with paper
towels.
To support the uterus. To reduce symptoms of pelvic
relaxation and occasional urinary incontinence. 7. To reinsert pessary, lubricate the rim of the pessary
with water-soluble lubricant.
CONSIDERATIONS: 8. Gently squeeze pessary rim together and insert into
1. Insertion, removal, and care may vary (see
manufacturer's instructions).
2. A pessary is to be cleansed at least one time a
week or per physician's order.
3. Cleaning solution is usually soap and water unless
otherwise ordered.
back of vagina. Fit outside rim of pessary under
symphysis pubis.
9. Check placement of pessary with fingertips. (Rim
should be smooth and circular, and not buckled.)
10. If patient experiences pain or discomfort, recheck
placement.
11. Reposition pessary as necessary.
EQUIPMENT: 12. Discard soiled supplies in appropriate containers.
Pessary
Gloves
AFTER CARE:
Water-soluble lubricant
Paper towels
Soap and water
1. Document in patient's record:
a. Procedure and observations.
b. Patient's response to procedure.
c. Instructions given to patient/caregiver.
PROCEDURE:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Explain procedure to patient.
3. Assemble equipment.
4. Place patient in supine position with knees flexed
and separated. Drape patient for privacy.
5. To remove pessary, gently insert fingers into vagina,
hook fingertips under pessary rim, and pull straight
out.
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