Digital Rectal Examination Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Digital Rectal Examination?
A Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) is an important medical procedure used to check for health issues in the rectum. It is a simple and quick exam that can provide doctors with valuable information about a patient’s health. During the procedure, the doctor will use a gloved, lubricated finger to feel for any abnormalities inside the rectum.The most common reason to get a DRE is to check for prostate cancer. Because prostate cancer usually doesn’t cause any symptoms in its early stages, it’s important that men over 40 get regular DREs as part of their routine physical exams. This allows doctors to detect any changes in size or texture of the prostate before symptoms develop. A DRE can also be used to diagnose other conditions such as hemorrhoids, rectal tumors, or infections of the rectum or anus.The first step of a DRE is having your vital signs taken by your doctoryour temperature, blood pressure and pulse rateto make sure you’re healthy enough for this exam. Next, your doctor will ask you to remove clothing from below your waist and lie on your side with your knees drawn up toward your chest so they can have good access to your anus and rectum. The area around the anus will be cleansed before insertion of the glove-covered finger into the rectum which may cause slight discomfort but should not be painful if done correctly. As they insert their finger into the opening they may feel areas that are abnormal such as bumps or masses that could indicate further testing might be necessary such as biopsies or imaging tests like MRI or CT scans if cancer is suspected .Digital Rectal Examinations are an important tool in diagnosing many different types of conditions within the rectal area and should not be overlooked when undergoing routine physical exams with healthcare professionals – especially men over 40 who are at increased risk for developing prostate cancer. If you have any questions about when it’s appropriate to receive a DRE please consult with your primary care physician today.