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General Care of the Patients

Flatus Tube

Not yet clinically reviewed

This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.

Indication

To relieve the gaseous distention of the bowel.

Method

  1. Bring the patient to left lateral position.
  2. Clean the anal area.
  3. Lubricate the flatus tube for 15 to 20 cm and insert the tube for 12–15 cm.
  4. Connect the free end with the rubber tubing, the tip of which is immersed in an antiseptic solution in a bottle on the floor.
  5. Amount of air passing can be seen bubbling through the solution.

SUPPOSITORIES

Solid cone or oval-shaped masses that melt at body temperature, e.g., Dulcolax and Glycerin suppositories.

Method

  1. Keep the patient in left lateral position.
  2. Wear sterile gloves.
  3. Hold the suppository between the two fingers.
  4. Separate the buttocks and insert the suppository into the anus.
  5. Once it has passed the external sphincter, advance it beyond the internal sphincter about 7 cm into the rectum. Otherwise, it will be expelled from the anal canal.
  6. It should be made sure that the suppository is positioned on the side of the rectum against the mucosa rather than in the fecal matter.
  7. Instruct the patient to retain it for more than 30 minutes.

PREVENTION OF BEDSORES

  1. Daily examination of pressure points for redness, discoloration and blister formation.
  2. Keep the patient clean and dry.
  3. Change the body position every 2 hours.
  4. Keep the patient’s skin well lubricated to prevent cracking by using powder.
  5. Protect the already damaged skin by proper cleaning and dressing.
  6. Adequate fluid and nourishing diet rich in protein and vitamins should be given.
  7. Back is washed with soap and warm water, dried and massaged with powder.
  8. Pad the bedpan to avoid friction.
  9. Provide smooth, firm, wrinkle-free bed.
  10. In prolonged bedridden states or comatose patients use special mattresses like air mattresses or water mattresses to decrease pressure on body parts.
  11. Cut short the fingernails to avoid scratching on the skin.
  12. Use devices like air cushions or cotton rings, etc. to reduce the pressure-on-pressure points.
  13. Encourage the patient to move in the bed as far as possible.
  14. Change the linen as soon as it is wet or soiled by urine or feces

Treatment of Bedsores

  • Prevent development of bedsores in new areas.
  • Prevent infection by strict asepsis.
  • Clean the ulcer with normal saline.
  • Application of waterproof ointments like zinc oxide over the wound in patients with incontinence of urine.
  • If there is slough, clean the area with hydrogen peroxide and do slough cutting.
  • Antibiotics.
  • Skin grafting.