The Big Picture
A rectal tube is a flexible tube used to relieve gas and intestinal distension. It allows gas to pass with less effort or straining.
A nurse performs the procedure. The tube stays in place for a limited time to avoid irritating the rectum.
Quick tip: Tap, click, or press Enter on any term with a dotted underline and an ⓘ icon to see its plain-English definition.
Start Here If You’re Overwhelmed
Focus on these core ideas:
- A rectal tube is usually inserted 10 cm (4 in.) into an adult’s rectum.
- A nurse performs the procedure.
- The tube stays in place for only 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
- The tube can be reinserted every 2 to 3 hours.
- Flatus can pass into a flatus bag or through tubing into a water container.
- Feces may come out along with flatus.
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Course Notes: Key Ideas You Need to Know
What a Rectal Tube Does
A rectal tube is a flexible tube inserted into the adult rectum. It is used to relieve flatulence and intestinal distension.
Flatulence means excessive gas formation in the stomach and intestines.
Flatus means gas or air from the stomach or intestines that passes through the anus. When a rectal tube is used, flatus passes with less effort or straining.
Insertion, Timing, and Reinsertion
A nurse performs the rectal tube procedure.
Important numbers include:
- The tube is usually inserted 10 cm (4 in.) into the adult rectum.
- It stays in place for only 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
- Limiting the time helps prevent irritation of the rectum.
- The tube can be reinserted every 2 to 3 hours.
Flatus Bags and Water Containers
The rectal tube may connect to a flatus bag or a water container.
These tools are used primarily for clients who have skin breakdown and an abnormal frequency of loose stools.
| Setup | What Happens as Gas Passes |
|---|---|
| Flatus bag | The bag inflates. |
| Water container | The water bubbles. |
When a water container is used, the rectal tube connects to tubing. The connecting tubing is placed in the water container.
Feces May Pass With Flatus
Feces are the semi-solid waste products found in the colon.
Feces may be expelled along with flatus. When a flatus bag is not used, the open end of the rectal tube is placed in a folded, waterproof pad.
Exam Clue Words
- Usually: The adult insertion depth is usually 10 cm (4 in.). The word “usually” matters because the statement does not describe the distance as absolute.
- Only: The tube stays in place for only 20 to 30 minutes at a time to avoid irritating the rectum.
- Primarily: Flatus bags and water-container setups are used primarily for clients with skin breakdown and an abnormal frequency of loose stools.
Fast Review
Keep the numbers and the gas-related terms clear as you review.
- A rectal tube is a flexible tube used to relieve flatulence and intestinal distension.
- Flatulence means excessive gas formation in the stomach and intestines.
- Flatus is gas or air from the stomach or intestines passed through the anus.
- A nurse performs the rectal tube procedure.
- The tube is usually inserted 10 cm (4 in.) into the adult rectum.
- The tube remains in place for only 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
- The tube can be reinserted every 2 to 3 hours.
- A flatus bag inflates as gas enters it, while water bubbles when gas passes through tubing into a water container.
- Feces may come out with flatus.
- Without a flatus bag, the open end of the tube is placed in a folded, waterproof pad.
Final Pep Talk
The numbers and similar gas-related terms are the parts most worth slowing down for. Review the insertion depth, timing, and difference between flatulence and flatus a few times until they feel familiar.