Rectal Examination

Question 1

Summarise steps involved

Answer 1

• Introduction
• Preperation- patient position, chaperone, gloves
• Inspection
• Palpation- internal
• Palpation- external (withdrawal)
• Look at finger

Question 2

Preparing for Examination

Answer 2

• Patient consent and chaperone DEFO there
• Explained procedure
• gloves
• Patient in correct position

Question 3

Inspection

Answer 3

-Anal tags, fissures, stool, fistulae

Question 4

Palpation (Internal)

Answer 4

• Insert finger in with lumbricant
• Assess for:
• Pain
• Bowel wall (360 degrees round)
• Prostate- size and texture
• Cervix

Question 5

Palpation (External)

Answer 5

-Anal tone on withdrawal of finger from the anus