How to administer suppositories in adults with constipation
To familiarise yourself with the procedure for administering suppositories to treat constipation in adults
To understand the indications and contraindications for the use of suppositories
To enhance your knowledge of the types of suppositories available to treat constipation
Suppositories are used in clinical practice for several purposes, including bowel evacuation and the administration of medicines such as analgesics and antibiotics. A common indication for their use is constipation. This article aims to support nurses to administer suppositories to adults with constipation in a safe, effective and dignified manner.
• Suppositories contain lipophilic fats that melt following insertion into the rectum, releasing a medicine into the body for local or systemic absorption.
• Different types of suppositories are available to treat constipation and the method of insertion varies slightly according to the type used.
• The administration of a suppository for constipation can cause embarrassment and stress for the person, so it is important to take a professional and sensitive approach when performing this procedure.
‘How to’ articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of:
• How this article might improve your practice when administering a suppository to an adult with constipation.
• How you could use this information to educate nursing students or colleagues about the technique for administering a suppository to an adult with constipation.
