Final answer:
To administer ear drops in an adult, gently pull the pinna up and back to straighten the ear canal for effective delivery of medication to the middle ear.
Step-by-step explanation:
When instilling ear drops in an adult who is lying down, you should gently pull the pinna in the direction of up and back to straighten the ear canal. This method helps open the ear canal, providing a more straightforward path for the ear drops to reach the middle ear. By doing so, it will enable the medication to travel more effectively through the ear canal and reach the area where it can have its intended effect.
Understanding the anatomy of the ear is crucial when administering ear drops. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the throat and helps maintain equal air pressure. The inner ear, or cochlea, is a coiled tube that is essential for hearing and balance. Medications instilled in the ear are meant to affect the middle ear and sometimes the inner ear, depending on the condition being treated, hence the importance of properly administering them.