Final answer:
Administering cold ear drops is the incorrect practice when giving ear drops to an infant or toddler. Warming the drops to room temperature and using the age-appropriate method to straighten the ear canal is crucial for effective treatment. Option c is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
When instilling ear drops into an infant or toddler's ears, it is important to use the proper technique to ensure that the medication is delivered effectively. For infants, the correct method is pulling the earlobe down and back to straighten the ear canal. In the case of toddlers, the technique involves pulling the pinna up and back to straighten the ear canal. This distinction is based on the anatomical differences between infants and older children.
Administering cold ear drops is the option that would not be correct. Cold ear drops can cause discomfort, dizziness, or a reflex that causes the child to pull away, which can make the administration process more difficult and less effective. Instead, it is recommended to warm the ear drops to room temperature before administration to avoid any potential discomfort or negative reactions.
Using the incorrect technique or administering ear drops at the wrong temperature can hinder the effectiveness of the treatment and potentially cause distress for the child. Therefore, care providers should always adhere to the recommended practices for ear drop administration in infants and toddlers.
In summary, the correct option in reference to the question would be c) Administering cold ear drops.