This section may be photocopied and distributed to families. 2. Wash your hands with soap and water. Count to 10 while washing, then rinse with clear water and dry with a clean paper or cloth towel. 3. Remove the wrapper from the suppository. 4. The index finger or the pinky (fifth finger) should be used to put in the suppository. Use the pinky if the child is small. Make sure the fingernail is short and smooth. As a covering, you can use plastic wrap or a plastic sandwich bag on the finger. Disposable gloves and finger cots can also be bought and used. 5. Remove the child’s underpants or diaper. 6. Have the child lie on his left side, with the right leg slightly bent. 7. With water, wet the finger or covering you will use to insert the suppository. 8. Wet the suppository with warm (not hot) water. Do not use Vaseline or any other kind of lubricant. These may affect how the medicine works. 9. Insert the suppository, with the rounded (not pointed) end first, 1 inch into the child’s rectum (Figure 1).
Wilson & Hockenberry: Wong’s Clinical Manual of Pediatric Nursing, 8th Edition
Patient Teaching Guide
Giving Rectal Medications—Suppositories
Instructions
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Wilson & Hockenberry: Wong’s Clinical Manual of Pediatric Nursing, 8th Edition: Patient Teaching Guide
