The nurse is preparing to administer ear drops to a client who is six years old.
The nurse should perform which action?
The nurse is preparing to administer ear drops to a client who is six years old.
The nurse should perform which action?
A. Pull the ear pinna down and back
[41%]
B. Position the client on their side with the ear to be treated against a pillow
[2%]
C. Pull the ear pinna up and back
[56%]
D. Place cotton directly into the ear canal after ear drop administration
[1%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Pharmacology
Lesson
Medication Administration
Client Need
Test Plan
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Related Topic
Medication Administration
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice C is correct. When administering ear drops to this client, the nurse should have the client positioned on the side with the ear to be treated facing up, or the client may sit in a chair or at the bedside. Once the client is in an appropriate position, the nurse should straighten the ear canal by pulling the pinna up and back to the 10 o'clock position.
Choice A is incorrect. When administering ear drops to a client younger than the age of three, the nurse should pull the pinna down and back.
Choice B is incorrect. The affected ear that should receive the drops should be facing up and not against the pillow.
Choice D is incorrect. Cotton may be used to keep the medication from evacuating, but it should not be placed directly into the ear canal because it could cause an obstruction.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Ear Assessment
14.5 Head, Neck & Sensory Assessment
Additional Info
✓ Ear drops should be administered at room temperature. Never administer cold ear drops.
✓ Avoid contact with the dropper tip against the external ear canal.
✓ For children three and younger, the pinna should be pulled down and back.
✓ For children older than three, the pinna should be pulled up and back.
✓ Adjusting the pinna is key because this positioning allows maximum exposure to the tympanic membrane.
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