A client is administering ear drops to their 2-year-old child. How should the nurse instruct the client to administer the drops?
A.
Pull the earlobe down and back before administering the drops.
B.
Insert the dropper deep into the ear canal to ensure effectiveness.
C.
Have the child lie on their side with the affected ear facing up.
D.
Administer the drops while the child is sitting upright.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Pull the earlobe down and back before administering the drops.
When administering ear drops to a child, particularly a 2-year-old, it’s essential to consider both comfort and effectiveness in the process. The anatomical structure of a child’s ear is different from that of an adult; their ear canal is shorter and more horizontal. Therefore, proper technique is crucial to ensure the medication reaches the intended area.
Explanation
1. Anatomical Considerations: In children, especially those under 3 years old, the ear canal is more horizontal than in adults. Pulling the earlobe down and back straightens the ear canal, allowing drops to flow more directly toward the eardrum. This positioning increases the chances of effective medication delivery.
2. Proper Technique: The recommended technique (option A) helps reduce discomfort for the child. It avoids the potential pain or injury that could occur if the dropper is inserted too deeply into the ear canal, as suggested in option B. Inserting the dropper too far can also increase the risk of damaging the delicate structures within the ear.
3. Child Positioning: While option C suggests having the child lie on their side with the affected ear facing up, it is often practical to administer the drops while the child is either lying down or sitting upright, depending on the child’s behavior and comfort level. However, lying on their side can make it difficult to control the child and ensure they stay still.
4. Administration Process: It’s crucial to ensure that the child is calm and comfortable. If the child is sitting upright (option D), they may resist the process more than when lying down, which could make administration difficult. Having the child lie on their back or side, with the affected ear facing up, is often preferred in practice.
Overall, the nurse should educate the caregiver on the proper technique to ensure safe and effective medication administration.