During rectal administration of a suppository, which practice helps prevent the anal sphincter from constricting?

Prepare for the HESI Introduction to Allied Health Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations, to ensure exam readiness!

Multiple Choice

During rectal administration of a suppository, which practice helps prevent the anal sphincter from constricting?

Explanation:
Relaxing the anal sphincter is the goal when inserting a rectal suppository. Slow, deep breathing helps the pelvic floor muscles loosen and reduces the reflex urge to tighten the sphincter. Bearing down or pushing increases abdominal and pelvic pressure and makes the sphincter tighten, hindering insertion. Holding the breath and bearing down would promote more sphincter constriction and discomfort. Exhaling rapidly and then inhaling doesn’t promote the same steady relaxation, and pushing with maximal effort also increases tension.

Relaxing the anal sphincter is the goal when inserting a rectal suppository. Slow, deep breathing helps the pelvic floor muscles loosen and reduces the reflex urge to tighten the sphincter. Bearing down or pushing increases abdominal and pelvic pressure and makes the sphincter tighten, hindering insertion.

Holding the breath and bearing down would promote more sphincter constriction and discomfort. Exhaling rapidly and then inhaling doesn’t promote the same steady relaxation, and pushing with maximal effort also increases tension.

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