Question 1 of 3
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Which technique is correct for instilling ear drops into a patient’s ear? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
- Correct
- Ensure the eardrum is intact.Ensure the patient’s eardrum is intact. Instilling ear drops into a patient’s ear that is not intact could further damage the eardrum.
- Correct
- Aim the drops onto the side of the ear canal.Target the drops onto the side of the ear canal allows the solution to run into the ear.
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- Ask the patient to keep the affected ear turned upward for 20 to 50 seconds.After instilling the ear drops, ask the patient to keep their affected ear turned up or tilted for 2 to 5 minutes to allow the drops to flow.
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- Make sure the ear drops are cool to touch.Ear drops should be at room temperature before instilling. If the drops are too cold, the patient may experience some discomfort or dizziness.
- Correct
- Insert a cotton ball into the opening of the ear canal.Insert a cotton ball into the opening of the ear canal to keep the drops from rolling out of the ear.
Question 2 of 3
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Which technique is correct for giving ear drops to a 2-year-old child?
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- Pull the pinna back and up.Pulling the pinna back and up is not appropriate for instilling drops into a young child’s ear. It does not allow the drops to easily run into the ear. The pinna should be pulled down and back.
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- Gently push the pinna against the head.Pushing the pinna back against the head is not appropriate for instilling drops into a young child’s ear. It does not allow the drops to easily run into the ear. The pinna should be pulled down and back for a 2-year-old child.
- Correct
- Pull the pinna down and back.Gently pull the external ear down and back when instilling drops into the ear of a child younger than 3 years of age.
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- Pull the pinna up and forward.The nurse should not pull the pinna up and forward when administering ear drops. The pinna should be pulled down and back for a 2-year-old child.
Question 3 of 3
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Which finding is a contraindication for the instillation of cerumenolytics?
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- DizzinessInstillation of cerumenolytics should never be used in a patient who is experiencing dizziness because these actions will worsen symptoms.
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- Reduced hearingHearing is reduced when there is an excessive buildup of cerumen. Instillation of cerumenolytics are drugs that can soften earwax followed by irrigation of the ear to improve hearing.
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- HeadacheHaving a headache is not a contraindication for the instillation of cerumenolytics. However, cerumenolytics should never be given to a patient with dizziness or ear discharge or drainage.
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- Ear painEar pain is a common symptom when there is an excessive buildup of cerumen. Instillation of cerumenolytics are drugs that can soften earwax followed by irrigation of the ear to alleviate pain.