Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 326 of 2368
Which client should NOT receive a medication by the rectal route?
- A client who is vomiting and cannot take oral medication
- A client who needs a laxative for constipation
- A client who had bowel surgery yesterday
- A client who needs an analgesic and cannot swallow
Show answer
Correct answer: A client who had bowel surgery yesterday
Rectal medications are contraindicated after rectal or bowel surgery, with rectal bleeding or prolapse, and with low platelet counts.
Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Administration of Enteral Medications: Rectal Medication Administration. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026