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Can a home health aide give a rectal suppository?

Home health-care personnel (e.g. home health aides, or HHA) are capable of administering rectal suppositories to patients of any age or functional ability.

The exact method of administration is determined by the patient’s condition and type of suppository.

Providing and assisting in the use of rectal/vaginal suppositories is typically a part of the job description of a home health aide.

A home health can give medication in several ways, including orally, nasally, or rectally. The method chosen depends upon the patient’s condition and ability to cooperate.

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The rectal route is used primarily by patients who cannot tolerate oral medications, have difficulty swallowing pills, or for whom compliance with pill-taking schedules is inconsistent.

Rectal suppositories are designed to be inserted into the rectum, which is a sensitive area. The use of topical anesthetics, such as benzocaine, is not recommended because it can be absorbed through the skin by the patient.

The following condition must be met: a nurse, pharmacist, or relative selects the individual to take the drug ordered dosage.

HHA’s can administer medications that are not preselected if the patient is a self-directing adult or has a responsible adult physically present who understands the medication and is able to direct the HHA in providing a rectal suppository. The patient must have been informed that the medication will be administered via rectal suppository.

Types of Suppositories

Fast-melting substances such as gelatin or cocoa butter form the outer layer of certain suppositories around medication.

How does a suppository work? As the medicine dissipates as the whole body heats, the layer softens.

Rectum, vagina, or the duct that empties your bladder, called the urethra: various kinds of suppositories end up in the urethra. The medication that is inserted into the area usually absorbs into the blood stream and provides the desired results to other parts of your body.

Suppositories are about 1 inch long and end in a bullet or rounded tip. You can take them to treat allergies, anxiety, constipation, fever, hemorrhoids, motion sickness, nausea, pain, and itching, seizures, mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and other conditions.

Rectal suppositories administered by a home health aide can be effective for patients with acute diarrhea who are not able to tolerate oral medications. Typically, this type of medication is administered every 4 hours during the day and every 8 hours at night.

Summary

Home health care providers can administer medication in a variety of ways, depending on the patient’s condition and ability to cooperate.

It is important for patients and their families to be aware of the various methods of administering medication so they can make the best decision for their loved one.

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