MEDizzy - A nurse administers a prochlorperazine (Compazine®)

Feed Library Learning Discuss Leaderboard Journal

Safety and Infection Control

A nurse administers a prochlorperazine (Compazine®) suppository to an adult client. Which action by the nurse best ensures that the medication is correctly administered?

ExplanationRectal suppositories should be inserted past the internal anal sphinc- ter and against the rectal wall. Stimulation of the bowel, once past the internal anal sphincter, will draw the medication inward. Stool in the bowel could cause incorrect placement of the suppository. Although the client should be positioned on the left side, this does not indicate whether the medication is in the correct position. Lubrication makes passage easier, but does not ensure the correct placement against the rectal wall and past the sphincter. Prochlorperazine is an antiemetic medication. It does not produce bowel peristalsis. Digital stimulation may cause passage of stool that is in the bowel, but this does not ensure correct administration.