Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal01:27

Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal

Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most precise method for assessing core body temperature and typically registers higher than oral temperature. For adults, the rectal thermometer should be inserted 1 to 1.5 inches into the rectum to obtain the most accurate reading.
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy01:29

Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

An Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure in which an endoscopist uses a flexible, lighted endoscope to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The procedure includes visualizing the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum.
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
Lower GI Series: Barium Enema01:23

Lower GI Series: Barium Enema

A Barium Enema, or a lower GI series, is a specialized radiographic examination designed to visualize the lower gastrointestinal tract, specifically the colon and rectum. This procedure is instrumental in diagnosing various conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...
Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination01:28

Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination

Meaning of Cystoscopic Examination:Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool in urology that is used to assess the structure and function of the genitourinary system. It provides a direct view of the urethra, bladder, and, in some cases, the ureteral openings. This procedure helps detect structural abnormalities, infections, cancers, and blockages in the urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopy:Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed in outpatient settings due to its less invasive...
Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP01:26

Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions related to the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder. This procedure is beneficial for identifying and addressing blockages, gallstones, strictures, and tumors within the biliary or pancreatic systems. ERCP is both diagnostic and therapeutic, offering the ability to visualize and treat identified problems in one session.
Patient...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Penile rehabilitation for postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·2018
Same author

Treatment of patients with urge or stress urinary incontinence.

Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)·2010
Same author

Urinary tract stones: types, nursing care and treatment options.

British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)·2008
Same author

Urine samples and urinalysis.

Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)·2008
Same author

Erectile dysfunction: physiology, causes and patient management.

Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)·2007
Same author

Assessing patients with actual or potential erectile dysfunction.

Professional nurse (London, England)·2002
Same journal

Effect of artificial intelligence on nursing documentation and patient safety.

Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)·2026
Same journal

Strategies for responding to anger from patients, relatives and carers.

Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)·2026
Same journal

Nurses' role in detecting early and subtle signs of patient deterioration in acute hospitals.

Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)·2026
Same journal

Pulse oximetry: exploring its role, limitations and challenges in clinical practice.

Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)·2026
Same journal

Anorexia nervosa: identification and management by non-specialist nurses.

Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)·2026
Same journal

Skin and soft tissue abscesses: assessment and management.

Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Povidone Iodine Rectal Preparation at Time of Prostate Needle Biopsy is a Simple and Reproducible Means to Reduce Risk of Procedural Infection
05:32

Povidone Iodine Rectal Preparation at Time of Prostate Needle Biopsy is a Simple and Reproducible Means to Reduce Risk of Procedural Infection

Published on: September 21, 2015

Digital rectal examination.

Martin J Steggall1

  • 1Department of Applied Biological Sciences, City University, London. m.j.steggall@city.ac.uk

Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|September 10, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Digital rectal examination (DRE) is a crucial diagnostic tool for adults. This article details DRE indications, procedures, and potential findings for healthcare providers.

More Related Videos

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
07:41

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Published on: April 17, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Povidone Iodine Rectal Preparation at Time of Prostate Needle Biopsy is a Simple and Reproducible Means to Reduce Risk of Procedural Infection
05:32

Povidone Iodine Rectal Preparation at Time of Prostate Needle Biopsy is a Simple and Reproducible Means to Reduce Risk of Procedural Infection

Published on: September 21, 2015

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
07:41

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Published on: April 17, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Primary Care Medicine

Background:

  • Digital rectal examination (DRE) is a common physical examination technique.
  • Understanding the indications and findings of DRE is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the established indications for performing DRE in adult patients.
  • To describe the standard procedure for conducting a DRE.
  • To provide an overview of the significant findings that can be identified through DRE.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current guidelines and clinical practices regarding DRE.
  • Descriptive analysis of the DRE procedure.
  • Compilation of common and significant findings associated with DRE.

Main Results:

  • DRE is indicated for the evaluation of various conditions, including lower gastrointestinal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, and suspected prostate pathology.
  • The procedure involves digital palpation of the rectal wall and prostate gland (in males).
  • Potential findings include masses, tenderness, fecal impaction, and prostate abnormalities (e.g., enlargement, nodules).

Conclusions:

  • DRE remains a valuable component of the physical examination in adults.
  • Proper technique and interpretation of findings are key to maximizing the diagnostic utility of DRE.
  • Further research may refine DRE's role in specific clinical scenarios.