Is sterile technique required when administering a drug per rectum?

When administering a drug per rectum, sterile technique is not typically required. This route of administration is generally considered a clean procedure rather than a sterile one. The rectum is not a sterile environment, and it is understood that some level of normal flora is present, which means that complete sterility is not achievable and doesn’t need to be.

Using clean technique, which involves washing hands and possibly using clean gloves, is usually sufficient for this type of administration. Medications given per rectum are often absorbed through the rectal mucosa, and maintaining a clean rather than sterile environment focuses on reducing the risk of infection while still acknowledging the physiological realities of the area. Therefore, the answer indicating that sterile technique is not required aligns with the standard practices associated with administering medications via the rectal route.