Nursing Practical Guideline Procedure : Vaginal douche

Vaginal douche:

This is irrigation of the vaginal canal by introducing a stream of fluid at low pressure.

Purposes:

a) To cleanse the vagina in preparation for surgery or insertion of radium.

b)    When a pessary is being worn and after removal.

c)     To wash away discharge (in case of cancer)

Solutions which may be used include:

a)     Normal saline

b)    Dettol 2%

c)     Acriflavin 1 : 4000

Articles required.

a)     Douche can, with tubing, end clamp or stop cock irrigation stand.

b)    Large clean bed pan

c)     Douche nozzle

d)    Cotton swabs, or clean rag pieces

e)     Dressing forceps

f)      Rubber or plastic sheet and towel

The above articles may be clean and aseptic, but after delivery, abortion or operation, sterile equipment must be used.

Procedure:

a)     Explain the treatment to the patient and screen the bed.

b)    Bring the articles to the bedside or to the treatment room.

c)     Ask the patient to empty the bladder before the treatment.

d)    Put the patient in modified dorsal recumbent position and drape to expose only the vulva. Place the rubber sheet and towel under the buttocks and the bed pan under her.

e)     Hang the douche can on the stand about 30 cm above the patient.

f)      Wash your hands well and then connect the douche nozzle making sure it is in good condition.

g)     First allow a stream of solution to run over the vulva then wipe off any discharge with swabs.

h)    Separate the labia and insert the douche nozzle gently into the vagina for about 7 cm.

i)   The nozzle should be pointing downwards and backwards.

j)       As the solution runs in , it flows out again into the bed pan. For a low douche a short nozzle is used and it is inserted only 2 ½ cm into the vagina.

k)    When finished disconnect the douche nozzle and put it into the kidney tray.

l)       If she can get the patient to sit on the bed pan for a minute so that the remaining solution drains out.

m)  Dry the area and leave the patient comfortable.

n)    Wash the douche nozzle and boil it. Wash and keep away all the articles.

o)    Record the time, quantity and nature of douche and the character of return flow.

Precautions:

If the woman is menstruating give a douche as per doctors prescription.