Nurses have an important role in the assessment, planning and implementation of nursing care that aims to prevent or treat constipation. The assessment of constipation in adults often involves a digital rectal examination (DRE).

This tutorial discusses the role of a digital rectal examination in the management of constipation in adults, including the relevant anatomy and physiology, practical advice on how the examination should be performed, the interpretation of findings, contraindications and precautions.