Digital Disimpaction or Stimulation

Presented by Amy Rose and Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board

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Video Runtime: 4 Minutes

Digital disimpaction is the utilization of a finger to manually break up and remove hardened stool, or impaction, in the lower rectal vault. Digital stimulation can be used for patients with neurodegenerative diseases affecting the lower colon who need to stimulate the muscle responses to defecate effectively. In this training, we’ll review the equipment and procedures for digital disimpaction and stimulation. This course includes
• Video demonstrations of procedures
• Downloadable procedure guide PDFs
• Tips and best practices for performing these procedures

Though fecal impaction can usually be avoided with the correct application of a closely monitored bowel regimen, sometimes constipation that is chronic or related to disease processes requires the use of digital disimpaction to assist in the evacuation of hardened stool. Digital disimpaction or stimulation can be administered by an RN or LPN. Patients or family caregivers can also be educated on how to complete digital disimpaction or stimulation.

This course was reviewed by Amy Rose, RN, MSN, CHPN, and Jennifer Kennedy, EdD, MA, BSN, RN, CHC, to ensure the content meets current professional guidelines and best evidence-based practices.

Meet your instructors

Amy Rose

Amy Rose is a passionate end-of-life-care nurse, leader, and educator. Amy holds an applied nursing master’s degree in executive leadership and has dedicated the majority of her career to developing both people and processes in the post-acute care space. Amy has worked in clinically and technically complex roles ranging from…

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Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board

The MedBridge Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board ensures the development and maintenance of up-to-date and evidence-based clinical procedures. The review board is composed of leading nurse experts in the field: Danielle Pierotti, RN, PhD, CENP, and Margherita Labson, RN, BSN, MSHSA. The review board is involved in…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Introduction

This chapter includes an introduction to digital disimpaction and stimulation, information on all of the equipment needed for these procedures, and recommended infection control policies.

2. Procedure: Digital Disimpaction and Stimulation

This chapter will provide a step-by-step procedure guide and video demonstration of digital disimpaction and stimulation.

3. Tips, Precautions, and Care Considerations

This chapter provides tips and considerations for performing digital disimpaction and stimulation in the home.

4. Documentation Guidelines

This chapter provides recommendations on what to note when documenting for patients receiving digital disimpaction or stimulation.

5. Patient Education

This chapter provides information on what education patients need to support self-management of their care.

6. Conclusion

This chapter includes learning assessment questions to assess the learner’s knowledge of skills covered in this course. A bibliography of referenced material is also included.