Suppositories and Ointments

Matthew Helms — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:00:00 GMT

SUPPOSITORY:

The following list of instructions will help you to properly administer a rectal suppository to your child:

Wash your hands before and after administering the medicine.
Have the child lie on his left side. The left leg should be straight and the right leg should be bent up towards his chest. Infants should be face down across your knees.
Before unwrapping the suppository, run it under cold water to make sure it is firm.
Put on a pair of medical, or disposable, gloves and remove the suppository from its wrapper.
With one hand, gently separate the child's buttocks so you can see the anal opening.
With the other hand, dip the suppository into some cold water or place a small amount of Vaseline or KY Jelly on the tip. Gently insert the smooth, rounded end of the suppository into the anal opening.
With one finger [If Child under 3 years old, use pinky finger. If Child over 3 years old, use index finger] gently push the suppository into the rectum until there is no resistance (maximum distance=2-3 inches). Check with your pediatrician on the proper distance for your child.
Remove your finger and check to make sure the suppository is still in the rectum. If it is inserted far enough, the suppository should stay in place. If it comes out, reinsert it again slightly farther than before.
After the suppository has been inserted, hold the child's buttocks together until the immediate urge to go to the bathroom passes.
Have the child remain in the same position for about 20 minutes. If this becomes impossible, the child should at least sit or lie down for about 20 minutes without going to the bathroom.

OINTMENT:

The following list of instructions will help you to properly administer a rectal ointment to your child:

Wash your hands and put on a pair of medical gloves.
Have the child lie on his left side. The left leg should be straight and the right leg bent up toward his chest. Infants should be face down across your knees.
Place the applicator that comes with the ointment onto the end of the tube. Place a small amount of Vaseline or KY Jelly onto the tip of the applicator.
With one hand, gently separate the child's buttocks so you can see the anal opening.
With the other hand, gently insert the applicator into the anal opening.
Once the applicator is inside, squeeze the tube to insert the prescribed amount of ointment.
Remove the applicator from the rectum. Detach the applicator from the tube and clean applicator with soap and warm water.
Have the child remain in the same position for about 20 minutes. If this becomes a problem, the child should at least sit or lie down for this amount of time without going to the bathroom.

7-Jul-08 4:00 PM

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