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Difficulty: EasyPharmacological Therapies

A practical nurse is preparing to administer prescribed ear drops to an adult client. Arrange the steps of this procedure in the correct chronological order.

  1. 1Perform hand hygiene and verify the client's identity.
  2. 2Position the client on their side with the affected ear facing upward.
  3. 3Pull the pinna up and back to straighten the auditory canal.
  4. 4Instill the prescribed drops without touching the dropper to the ear.
  5. 5Instruct the client to remain in the side-lying position for a few minutes.

Answer

The correct sequence is: perform hand hygiene and verify identity; position the client on their side; pull the pinna up and back; instill the drops; and instruct the client to remain in position.
The correct sequence ensures medication safety, proper anatomical alignment, and effective drug absorption. Hand hygiene and patient identification are universally the first steps. Positioning the client prepares the treatment area. Because the client is an adult, the pinna must be pulled up and back to straighten the ear canal. Instilling the medication without touching the ear maintains sterility, and having the client remain in position ensures the drops effectively reach their target.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Perform hand hygiene and verify the client using two identifiers.
The nurse confirms the right client and maintains infection control.
This is the mandatory foundational safety check for all nursing interventions.
2
Place the client in a lateral position with the affected ear exposed.
The ear canal is positioned to receive the medication.
Gravity facilitates the flow of the liquid medication into the ear.
3
Grasp the pinna and pull it up and back.
The adult ear canal is straightened.
Straightening the canal ensures the medication reaches the tympanic membrane rather than resting in the outer curvature of the canal.
4
Squeeze the dropper to instill the correct number of drops without making physical contact.
Medication is administered safely and cleanly.
Hovering the dropper without touching the skin or ear canal prevents microbial contamination.
5
Ask the client to remain still for approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
The medication is fully absorbed and dispersed.
It prevents the drops from rolling out of the ear canal prematurely.

Key Concept

Safe and effective administration of otic medications in adult clients
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Pharmacological Therapies

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