Digital Rectal Examination

Introduction0/7

• Greetings
• Hand wash
• Verify the patient's identity
• Explanation of the examination
• Obtain consent
• Offer presence of a chaperone
• Ask about any current pain

• Position patientLeft lateral position with knees bent towards chest

Inspection0/6

• Check for skin excretions
• Look for skin tags
• Identify any external haemorrhoids
• Look for anal fissures
• Check for external bleeding
• Identify any anal fistulas

Palpation0/6

• Lubricate examining finger
• Insert finger into anal canal
• Assess prostate glandPalpate anteriorly, noting size, symmetry, and texture
• Assess anal canalRotate finger 360° to assess entirety of rectum
• Assess anal tone
• Ask patient to squeeze examining finger

• Withdraw finger and inspect for blood/mucous
• Ask patient to coughCheck for rectal prolapse

Conclusion0/3

• Clean patient and cover
• Summarize findings
• Suggest further tests if needed