Question

A nurse is preparing to instill antibiotic ear drops into a toddler's ear. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use when administering ear drops to this patient?

A. have the patient maintain side-lying position for 30 min. after administration of ear drops
B. Pull the patient's auricle down and back to open the canal when administering ear drops
C. The nurse should don sterile gloves prior to administration of ear drops.
D. insert the tip of the dropper into the ear canal when administering ear drops.

Answer 1

When administering ear drops to a toddler, the nurse should pull the patient's auricle up and back to straighten the ear canal for easier administration.

Step-by-step explanation:

When administering ear drops to a toddler, the nurse should pull the patient's auricle up and back to straighten the ear canal for easier administration. This technique helps to ensure that the drops reach the appropriate area in the ear.

It is not necessary for the patient to maintain a side-lying position for 30 minutes after administration of ear drops. The patient can go about their normal activities after the drops have been instilled.

The nurse should not insert the tip of the dropper into the ear canal. The drops should be placed just at the entrance of the ear canal to avoid any potential harm or discomfort to the patient.