INSERTION OF SUPPOSITORY

	Explain the procedure to the patient
	Ensure privacy
	Ensure that a bed pan, commode or the toilet is readily available
	Assist the patient to lie in the required position, i.e. on the left side, with the knees fixed, the upper higher than the lower one, with the buttocks near the edge of the bed
	Place a disposable incontinence pad/mackintosh and towel beneath the patient hips and buttocks
	Wash hands with bactericidal soap and water and put on the disposable gloves
	Place some lubricating jelly on the gauze piece and lubricate the blunt end of suppository
	Separate the patient’s buttocks and insert the suppository blunt end first, advancing it for about 2 to 4 cm. Repeat this procedure if a second suppository is to be inserted.
	Once the suppository (ies) has been inserted, clean any excess lubricating jelly from the patient’s perineal area
	Ask the patient to retain the suppository (ies) if it is of an evacuant type
	Remove and either dispose the equipments if they are disposable, otherwise clean them and replace them
	Record that the suppository has been given, the effect on the patient and the result (amount, colour, consistency and content) in the appropriate documents.