If a rectal suppository causes a small amount of rectal bleeding, what should the nurse do?

• A. Administer the suppository as scheduled
• B. Contact the healthcare provider after administration
• C. Withhold the administration and contact the healthcare provider
• D. Continue after applying local anesthetic

Answer: (C)

When a rectal suppository causes any bleeding, the priority is to protect the patient and seek guidance from the healthcare provider. Bleeding after a rectal medication can signal mucosal trauma, irritation, or an underlying condition that needs evaluation rather than continuation of therapy.

The appropriate action is to withhold any further doses and contact the healthcare provider for assessment. This prevents potential worsening of bleeding and allows the prescriber to determine whether the medication should be stopped, adjusted, or if additional investigation is needed. In the meantime, the nurse should assess the patient’s vital signs, observe the amount and pattern of bleeding, examine for signs of pain or distress, and document findings. Verify proper administration technique and review the patient’s history for factors that increase bleeding risk, such as anticoagulant therapy or hemorrhoidal disease.

Administering the suppository as scheduled would ignore the new adverse event. Waiting to contact the provider after administration could delay care. Continuing after applying local anesthetic doesn’t address the bleeding and could mask ongoing signs of trouble.