What it means
A short, muscular tube at the end of the digestive tract. Stool moves from the colon into the rectum, and stretching of the rectum gives the urge to have a bowel movement. Nurses use the rectum to give some medicines (suppositories, enemas) and, in some settings, to take a temperature.
For the nurse
Before inserting anything into the rectum, check for orders and for reasons to avoid it, such as low platelets, low white cell counts or recent rectal surgery. Bright red blood from the rectum, or black, tarry stool, is reported. See rectalREK-tulRelating to the rectum, the last part of the large intestine; also, given or measured through the rectum.rect/o rectum, straight-al relating toFull entry .
At a glance
| Spanish | recto |
|---|---|
| Also written | recta, rectums |
Related terms
diarrhea
Loose or watery stools, usually three or more times a day or more often than normal for the person.
col/o
A word root that means colon, the large intestine.
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.
rectal
Relating to the rectum, the last part of the large intestine; also, given or measured through the rectum.