Chapter 26: Anus, Rectum, and
Prostate Exam 2022-2023
Anal Canal - -the outlet of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; it is about 3.8 cm long in the
adult.
Rectum - -12 cm long
-distal portion of the large intestine
...
Chapter 26: Anus, Rectum, and
Prostate Exam 2022-2023
Anal Canal - -the outlet of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; it is about 3.8 cm long in the
adult.
Rectum - -12 cm long
-distal portion of the large intestine
-extends from the sigmoid colon at the level of the 3rd sacral vertebra, and ends at
the anal canal
Prostate - -male gland that lies in front of the anterior wall of the rectum and 2 cm
behind the symphysis pubis
-Secretes a thin, milky, alkaline fluid that supports sperm
-Has 2 seminal vesicles that project like rabbit ears above the prostate
-The 2 bulbourethral (Cowper) glands are each the size of a pea and are located
inferior to the prostate on either side of the urethra
Sigmoid Colon - named from its S- shaped course in the pelvic cavity
benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - -The prostate gland commonly starts to enlarge
during the middle adult years, but this is NOT cancer
-This benign prostatic hyperplasia is present in 80% of men over 60 years
-Symptoms include urinary frequency, urgency, hesitancy, straining to urinate, weak
stream, intermittent stream, sensation of incomplete emptying, nocturia
-Observations: A symmetric nontender enlargement; commonly occurs in males
beginning in the middle years. The prostate surface feels smooth, rubbery, or firm
(like the consistency of the nose), with the median sulcus obliterated
Prostate Cancer - - most frequently diagnosed cancer in men
-Known risk factors include increasing age, African ancestry, a family history of PC
(brother or father), and inherited mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
-Men with metastatic PC are more likely to have a lower socioeconomic status
(SES), to lack insurance or have Medicaid, and to be of black or Hispanic
race/ethnicity
-The American Urological Association recommends that men of African ancestry and
men with a family history of prostate cancer should be offered the blood test of PSA
screenings
Colorectal cancer (CRC) - - incidence rates are high in Alaska Natives and african
americans when compared to whites, and lower in Asian/ Pacific Islanders
- Recommendations include beginning screening at age 50 for those at average risk
but earlier with a family history of CRC.
Subjective Data - -Usual bowel movements
-Changes in bowel habits
-Rectal bleeding, blood in the stool
-Medications
-Rectal conditions
Rome III criteria for constipation - -<3 stools/week, straining, lumpy or hard stools,
and incomplete evacuation, sensation of blockage
-Risks: older age, women, inactivity
-Helps to increase fiber and water, change position, and stool softeners
Dyschezia - -pain due to a local condition (hemorrhoid, fissure) or constipation
Rectal bleeding and blood in the stool - Check for:
-Melena
-Black stools may be tarry due to occult blood (melena) from GI bleeding or non-tarry
from ingestion of iron medications
-Red blood occurs with GI bleeding, local bleeding around the anus, with colon and
rectal cancer
-Is the stool frothy (brb vomiting)
Steatorrhea - excessive fat in stool; malabsorption as in celiac disease, cystic
fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, Crohn disease
Symptomatic hemorrhoids - pruritus, painless rectal bleeding, red blood on tissue or
in bowl
Fissure - Painful bowel movements like "shards of glass"
Fiber in diet - -High fiber foods of the soluble type include beans, prunes, barley,
carrots, broccoli, cabbage
-High fiber foods of the soluble type lower cholesterol levels
-Insoluble fiber foods include cereals and wheat germ
-Insoluble fiber foods reduce the risk for colon cancers
Early detection for cancers - -Colonoscopies after age 50, then every 10 years
-Fecal occult blood test annually after age 50; age 45 for African Americans
left lateral decubitus position for rectal exams - laying down on left side; use for
rectal area alone
Lithotomy position for rectal exams - GYN position
Standing position for rectal exams - BEND OVER
Hemorrhoid - flabby skin sac
thrombosed hemorrhoid - shiny blue skin sac.......
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