Page 393 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

cancer; medications being taken; history of rectal or
colon problems; family history of rectal or colon
problems

2. Objective data

a. Examination can detect colorectal
cancer in its early stages; in men, the
rectal examination can also detect
prostate tumors.
b. Women may be examined in the
lithotomy position after examination of
the genitalia.
c. A man is best examined by having the
client bend forward with his hips
flexed and upper body resting over the
examination table.
d. A nonambulatory client may be
examined in the left lateral (Sims’)
position.
e. The external anus is inspected for
lumps or lesions, rashes, inflammation
or excoriation, scars, or hemorrhoids.
f. Digital examination will most likely be
performed by the PHCP or other
practitioner.
g. Digital examination is performed to
assess sphincter tone; to check for
tenderness, irregularities, polyps,
masses, or nodules in the rectal wall;
and to assess the prostate gland.
h. The prostate gland is normally firm,
without bogginess, tenderness, or
nodules (hardness or nodules may
indicate the presence of a cancerous
lesion; bogginess or tenderness may
indicate infection).

3. Client teaching

a. Diet should include high-fiber and low-
fat foods and plenty of liquids.
b. The client should obtain regular digital
examinations.
c. The client should be able to identify the
symptoms of colorectal cancer or
prostatic cancer (men).
d. The client should follow the American
Cancer Society’s guidelines for

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