Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 105 RECTAL TUBE INSERTION PURPOSE: The insertion of a rectal tube is administered in accordance with physician's orders to relieve flatulence. The abdomen should be assessed for bowel sounds and for distention and the results of that assessment should be reported to the physician. PERSONNEL RESPONSIBLE: RN, LPN EQUIPMENT : • Rectal tube • Examination gloves • Water soluble lubricant • Chux pads PROCEDURE: 1. Wash hands and apply clean gloves. 2. Position patient in left lateral position with right leg flexed. 3. Lubricate the rounded end of the rectal tube 1 - 2 inches. 4. Lift upper buttock and insert lubricated end of tube gently 3 - 4 inches into the rectum. 5. Protect bed linens with Chux. 6. Remove tube and cleanse rectal area. Do not allow tube to remain in rectum longer than 30 minutes. Clean and store equipment. 7. Remove gloves and dispose of equipment. 8. Wash hands. DOCUMENTATION: Record the assessment findings and procedure, including the size of the tube, the length of time used and the patient's tolerance of the procedure on the Clinical Visit Note. Document physician notification in clinical record. ____________________________________________________