A nurse is preparing to administer ofloxacin otic drops to an adult client who has otitis externa. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?.
Explanation & Rationale
The correct answer is choice C. Apply gentle pressure with a finger to the tragus of the ear. Choice A rationale: Chilling the medication prior to administration is not recommended. Cold ear drops can cause dizziness or discomfort when instilled into the ear. It is generally advised to warm the drops to body temperature by holding the bottle in your hands for a few minutes before administration. Choice B rationale: Holding the dropper against the ear canal while instilling the medication is incorrect. The dropper should be held above the ear canal to avoid contamination and injury. Touching the dropper to the ear canal can introduce bacteria and cause infection. Choice C rationale: Applying gentle pressure with a finger to the tragus of the ear helps to facilitate the flow of the medication into the ear canal. This action helps to ensure that the medication reaches the affected area effectively. Choice D rationale: Straightening the external auditory canal by pulling it down and back is incorrect for adults. For adults, the correct method is to pull the ear up and back to straighten the ear canal. Pulling it down and back is the method used for children.