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Instruct the patient to relax and take a deep breath. Positioning the pad of your index finger over the anal orifice and applying gentle pressure will produce relaxation of the sphincter. Then, gently put your finger into the anal canal toward the umbilicus.

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To make it easier to insert your index finger into the anus, apply a small amount of lubricating gel first.

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Wear gloves and examine the anal entrance and surrounding area. Spread the client’s buttocks and look for the possible manifestation of lumps, ulcers, lesions, rashes, redness, fissures, or thickening of the epithelium.

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Do the proper hand hygiene and gather all the materials you will need (sanitized properly), such as the patient's gown, penlight/examination light, specimen card, disposable gloves, stool, stethoscope, and lubricant (water-soluble). Introduce yourself and verify the patient’s identification. Provide privacy for the patient, ask for consent, and explain the process.