Which medications are given before digital removal of fecal impaction?

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Multiple Choice

Which medications are given before digital removal of fecal impaction?

Before digital removal of a fecal impaction, helping the patient stay relaxed and cooperative is key. Lorazepam and midazolam are benzodiazepines that provide rapid, short‑acting sedation and anxiety relief, which reduces rectal guarding and makes the procedure more tolerable. They also offer amnesia for the experience, which can ease distress and improve cooperation during the disimpaction. Other options don’t achieve this combination of anxiolysis and easy titration needed for the procedure: an antiemetic doesn’t aid comfort or relaxation; opioids like morphine or hydromorphone offer pain relief but raise concerns about respiratory effects and constipation; acetaminophen provides limited pain relief without any sedative benefit. So the benzodiazepine pair best supports a smoother, safer disimpaction.

Before digital removal of a fecal impaction, helping the patient stay relaxed and cooperative is key. Lorazepam and midazolam are benzodiazepines that provide rapid, short‑acting sedation and anxiety relief, which reduces rectal guarding and makes the procedure more tolerable. They also offer amnesia for the experience, which can ease distress and improve cooperation during the disimpaction.

Other options don’t achieve this combination of anxiolysis and easy titration needed for the procedure: an antiemetic doesn’t aid comfort or relaxation; opioids like morphine or hydromorphone offer pain relief but raise concerns about respiratory effects and constipation; acetaminophen provides limited pain relief without any sedative benefit. So the benzodiazepine pair best supports a smoother, safer disimpaction.

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