Review of normal gastrointestinal tract, ulcerative colitis, proctitis and rectal medication adherence

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract has a number of functions—ingestion, digestion, absorption and elimination. When the GI tract is working normally, it is efficient. However, this can change when disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs. IBD is a long-term relapsing and remitting autoimmune disease; it incorporates ulcerative colitis (UC). In UC, part or all the mucosa lining the rectum and colon becomes inflamed and ulcerated. UC that affects the rectum only is called proctitis. Effective treatment is essential. It is better to target the rectal mucosa directly in proctitis, using topical rectal medications in enemas or suppositories, as these have fewer side-effects and resolve symptoms more quickly than systemic drugs. However, patients may not feel clear about aspects of their IBD care and can find it difficult to initiate and comply with treatment and maintenance regimens. Nurses need to educate and support them to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes in both the immediate and long terms.

Drugs in children's nursing

Pharmacology 824Pharmacodynamics: the study of how drugs work 826Topical applications 828Administration of ear medication 830Administration of eye medication 832Administration of nose medication 834Administration of nebulizers 836Administration of oral drugs 838Procedure for administration of rectal medication to children ...

School Nurses’ Experience With Administration of Rectal Diazepam Gel for Seizures

The purpose of this study was to determine school nurses’ knowledge of state and school district policies, their experience regarding the administration of rectal diazepam gel in the school, and the perceived benefits and barriers of providing this treatment. Four hundred nineteen nurses responded to a survey conducted during the National Association of School Nurses Annual Meeting. Seventy-one (18%) nurses surveyed had administered rectal diazepam gel in a school setting, while 54 (13%) nurses reported that either their state practice act or school district prohibited them from giving rectal medications in the school. Medication administration benefits, such as early intervention for treatment of acute seizure emergencies, were noted. Barriers were also identified, with lack of privacy as the most frequently listed. Scope of practice as it pertains to administering medication in the school and the extent to which delegation of duties can be used in the situation of administering rectal medication in a seizure emergency remain issues for school nurses.

Emergency Management of Seizures in the School Setting

Effective seizure management in the school setting is a critical issue for students with seizures, as well as their parents, classmates, and school personnel. The unpredictable nature of seizures and the potential outcomes of experiencing a seizure in school are sources of anxiety for students with seizures. The ability to respond appropriately to a seizure is of concern to parents and school personnel. Implementation of a seizure emergency treatment plan empowers school personnel to quickly treat the child. Diazepam rectal gel is commonly used in seizure emergency treatment plans. It is safe and effective in terminating seizures and reduces the time to treatment and the need for emergency department visits when used in the school setting, and can be administered by medical and delegated to trained nonmedical personnel. School nurses should be aware of the laws and professional recommendations that pertain to rectal medication administration in schools for optimal emergency seizure management.