Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why is it important to ensure a suppository is firm before insertion?
Why is it important to ensure a suppository is firm before insertion?
- To prevent it from dissolving prematurely during insertion.
- To maximize its effectiveness by ensuring proper dosage.
- To maintain its structural integrity for ease of insertion past the anal sphincter. (correct)
- To ensure it can be easily cut in half if needed.
A patient finds that the glycerin suppository is not firm. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
A patient finds that the glycerin suppository is not firm. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
- Place the suppository in the refrigerator or run it under cool water. (correct)
- Microwave the suppository for a few seconds.
- Warm the suppository under hot water to soften it.
- Use the suppository immediately regardless of its firmness.
A patient reports that the suppository slipped out immediately after insertion. What should the pharmacist advise?
A patient reports that the suppository slipped out immediately after insertion. What should the pharmacist advise?
- To push the suppository further into the rectum, past the anal sphincter. (correct)
- To discontinue use and consult a doctor immediately.
- To use a larger amount of lubricant.
- To use a different brand of suppository.
Why is it recommended to lie down for a few minutes after inserting a suppository?
Why is it recommended to lie down for a few minutes after inserting a suppository?
What is the correct method for cutting a suppository in half, as advised by the pharmacist?
What is the correct method for cutting a suppository in half, as advised by the pharmacist?
What is the primary reason for using the tapered end of a suppository for insertion?
What is the primary reason for using the tapered end of a suppository for insertion?
Why should suppositories be stored in a cool, dry place?
Why should suppositories be stored in a cool, dry place?
What is the expected timeframe for a glycerin suppository to produce a bowel movement?
What is the expected timeframe for a glycerin suppository to produce a bowel movement?
What is the first action a patient should take before self-administering a suppository?
What is the first action a patient should take before self-administering a suppository?
What should a patient do if a glycerin suppository does not produce a bowel movement within one hour?
What should a patient do if a glycerin suppository does not produce a bowel movement within one hour?
Besides constipation, what other condition might lead to the use of suppositories? Choose the MOST likely answer.
Besides constipation, what other condition might lead to the use of suppositories? Choose the MOST likely answer.
Upon inspection, a patient observes that a glycerin suppository has a slightly oily or greasy texture. What does this indicate?
Upon inspection, a patient observes that a glycerin suppository has a slightly oily or greasy texture. What does this indicate?
The pharmacist advises the patient to lie on their side during self-administration. What is the primary rationale for this position?
The pharmacist advises the patient to lie on their side during self-administration. What is the primary rationale for this position?
A patient asks whether dipping the suppository in water is necessary. What is the MOST accurate response?
A patient asks whether dipping the suppository in water is necessary. What is the MOST accurate response?
The pharmacist emphasizes holding the buttocks together for a few minutes post-insertion. What is the main goal of this action?
The pharmacist emphasizes holding the buttocks together for a few minutes post-insertion. What is the main goal of this action?
When advising a patient on the use of glycerin suppositories, what key information should a pharmacist emphasize regarding their mechanism of action?
When advising a patient on the use of glycerin suppositories, what key information should a pharmacist emphasize regarding their mechanism of action?
If a patient has a latex allergy, what precaution should the pharmacist advise when using suppositories, if any?
If a patient has a latex allergy, what precaution should the pharmacist advise when using suppositories, if any?
A patient is also using a topical cream for hemorrhoids. How should the pharmacist advise the patient to sequence the use of the cream and the suppository?
A patient is also using a topical cream for hemorrhoids. How should the pharmacist advise the patient to sequence the use of the cream and the suppository?
A patient reports experiencing mild rectal burning after using a glycerin suppository. What is the most appropriate initial advice?
A patient reports experiencing mild rectal burning after using a glycerin suppository. What is the most appropriate initial advice?
A patient, who is pregnant, asks if glycerin suppositories are safe to use. What should the pharmacist recommend?
A patient, who is pregnant, asks if glycerin suppositories are safe to use. What should the pharmacist recommend?
Flashcards
What are suppositories?
What are suppositories?
Medication inserted into the rectum to stimulate bowel movement.
First step before use?
First step before use?
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Checking suppository firmness?
Checking suppository firmness?
Squeeze to check firmness; refrigerate briefly if too soft.
How to position yourself?
How to position yourself?
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Which end goes in?
Which end goes in?
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Easing insertion?
Easing insertion?
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Ensuring proper insertion?
Ensuring proper insertion?
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How long they take to work?
How long they take to work?
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Proper storage?
Proper storage?
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Cutting the suppository?
Cutting the suppository?
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Study Notes
- Pharmacist provides instructions on how to use glycerin suppositories for constipation
Preparation
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before starting
- Ensure the suppository is firm to the touch by squeezing it
- If the suppository is not firm, put it in the fridge for a few minutes or run it under cold water until firm
Administration
- Lie on your side with the bottom leg extended and the upper leg bent towards your chest or stomach
- Dip the tapered end of the suppository in cool water to ease insertion
- Insert the suppository into the rectum with the tapered side first
- Push the suppository past the anal sphincter
- Hold butt cheeks together for a few minutes while staying still to allow melting and absorption
Post-Administration
- Wash hands with soap and water after inserting the suppository
- Expect the suppository to work within 5-15 minutes, though glycerin suppositories may take 15-30 minutes
- If the suppository slips out, it hasn't been pushed past the anal sphincter; reinsert it further
- Store glycerin suppositories in a cool, dry place away from heat, and keep the container tightly closed
Additional Information
- If the doctor recommends cutting the suppository, cut it lengthwise
- If no urge to go to the bathroom occurs after one hour, contact the pharmacy or healthcare provider
- Hold the suppository in until feeling the urge to go to the bathroom
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