Before inserting a rectal suppository in an adult male, which instruction helps relax the anal sphincter?

• A. Take slow, deep breaths and stop bearing down
• B. Sit upright with shoulders tense
• C. Hold your breath and bear down
• D. Keep breathing normally and push gently

Answer: (A)

Relaxing the anal sphincter comes from calming the body and avoiding straining. Taking slow, deep breaths helps activate the relaxation response and lowers tension in the pelvic floor, making the sphincters loosened and easier to pass the suppository. Stopping any bearing down eliminates the Valsalva-like effort that would tighten the sphincters and resist insertion. The aim is a relaxed perineal area for a smoother, more comfortable procedure.

Tensing the shoulders and sitting upright can reflect overall body tension that travels to the pelvic floor, hindering relaxation. Holding the breath and bearing down increases abdominal pressure and tightens the sphincters. While breathing normally and pushing gently might seem mild, it still involves some bearing down, which can keep the sphincters from relaxing as needed.