While administering ear drops to a toddler, a nurse by pulls the auricle down and back. The mother asks, “Why are you pulling the ear that way?” Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A.
“When I use this technique the medication will not run out of the ear.”
B.
“This opens the ear canal, allowing medication to reach the inner ear region.”
C.
“This is the safest and easiest way to administer this medication.”
D.
“When I use the technique, your child experiences less pain.”
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. “This opens the ear canal, allowing medication to reach the inner ear region.”
When administering ear drops, especially in children, proper technique is crucial to ensure the medication is delivered effectively. For toddlers, the anatomy of the ear is different from that of adults. The ear canal in young children is shorter and oriented more horizontally. Therefore, the technique of pulling the auricle (the outer part of the ear) down and back is essential for a few reasons.
Firstly, pulling the ear down and back straightens the ear canal, allowing for better access and ensuring that the drops can reach the tympanic membrane (eardrum). This orientation is particularly important in young children because their ear canals are more angled compared to adults. If the ear is not positioned correctly, the drops may not reach the deeper parts of the ear where they are needed for effective treatment, such as for ear infections.
Additionally, using this technique can help prevent the medication from running out of the ear, which can happen if the drops are administered without properly positioning the ear. This is particularly relevant when dealing with toddlers, who may move unexpectedly, making it challenging to keep the medication in place.
While option A mentions that the medication won’t run out, it doesn’t explain the anatomical importance of the technique. Options C and D also do not address the anatomical necessity of the technique. Therefore, the most accurate and educational response is that pulling the ear down and back opens the ear canal, allowing the medication to reach its intended target effectively. This knowledge not only reassures the mother but also educates her on why the procedure is performed in this manner, emphasizing the importance of technique in pediatric care.