Vaginal Douche
Agatha M. Thrash, M.D.
Preventive Medicine
Preparatory Phase
| Procedure |
Reason |
| Have patient void before beginning irrigation. |
A full bladder would prevent distention of vagina by solution. |
| Place patient in dorsal recumbent. |
To permit gravity to assist in allowing fluid to reach distal areas of vagina. |
| Drape patient. |
To prevent chilling and undue exposure. |
| Arrange irrigating receptacle at a level just above patient's hips. |
The higher the fluid source, the greater the pressure. |
Performance Phase
| Procedure |
Reason |
| Cleanse vulva by separating labia and allowing solution to flow over area. |
Materials found around vaginal meatus may be introduced into vagina and cervix. |
| Allow some solution to flow through tubing and out over nozzle to lubricate it and expel air. |
Moisture provides lubrication and less resistance when one surface moves against another. |
| Insert nozzle gently into vagina in a downward and backward direction. |
With the patient in a dorsal recumbent position, the natural anatomical position of the vagina is in the downward backward direction. |
| Rotate nozzle gently in the vagina during inflow to cleanse all the folds. |
All surfaces are irrigated when nozzle is rotated. |
| Clamp tubing when solution is almost all used; remove nozzle and permit patient to sit on bedpan for complete drainage. |
Gravity will assist in returning the flow. |
Follow-up Phase
| Procedure |
Reason |
| Wipe patient dry using cotton balls in a front-to-back direction. |
Drying the area prevents skin excoriation and promotes comfort. |
| Remove bedpan from patient and apply perineal pad. |
|
| Cleanse equipment with soap and water; disinfect; dry before being stored in a well-ventilated area. |
This will prolong life of equipment. |
Equipment
- Can or bag
- Sterile fluid (1000-4000 ml at 105°-110°F.)
- Tubing – sterile
- Nozzle – sterile
- Bedpan
- Plastic sheet
- Cotton balls to clean
Contact Us For More Information
Uchee Pines Lifestyle Center
30 Uchee Pines Road #75
Seale, Alabama 36875
