HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE SECTION: 1-2
Eardrop(s) Administration __RN
PURPOSE: 6. Recheck medication dosage to be administered.
To introduce eardrops into ear usually to treat an ear
infection, inflammation, soften cerumen for later
Clarify all physicians’ orders if unapproved
abbreviations are used.
removal, and/or local anesthesia. 7. Gently pull the ear upward and backward for an
adult or down and back for a child.
CONSIDERATIONS: 8. Using a light source, examine the ear canal for
1. Medication should be warmed to body temperature
before administration, as cold medication can cause
vertigo, nausea and pain. The bottle may be rolled
between hands to warm medication or placed in a
bowl of warm water prior to instillation.
2. The ear canal is straightened in adults by gently
pulling the ear upward and backward. For children
the ear is pulled downward and backward.
3. Use at least two (2) patient identifiers prior to
administering medications.
EQUIPMENT:
drainage and remove any drainage with a tissue or
cotton tipped applicator (no further than where you
can see the cotton tip).
9. Brace the hand holding the dropper against the
patient's head to avoid accidentally injuring the ear
canal with the dropper. Squeeze dropper and let
drop(s) fall against side of ear canal (this is so
drop(s) may fall gently to tympanic membrane and
not trap air in the ear). Insert a small cotton ball
loosely in the external auditory canal.
10. Instruct the patient to remain in the side position
with the affected ear upward for 5-10 minutes to
allow drop(s) to be absorbed.
Prescribed eardrop medication
Cotton balls, cotton tip applicator or tissue, as needed
11. Remove cotton ball, assess for drainage. Dry the
ear with a washcloth/towel, as needed.
Impermeable plastic trash bag
Personal protective equipment as indicated
12. Discard soiled supplies in appropriate container.
Towel
AFTER CARE:
Light source
1. Explain possible side effects to patient and family.
2. Document in patient's record:
PROCEDURE: a. Eardrop medication and dosage given.
1.
2.
Adhere to Universal Precautions.
Verify medication dosage as per MD orders.
b.
c.
d.
Ear into which drop(s) administered.
Date and Time of administration.
Instructions given to patient including self-
3. Explain procedure to patient.
administration and any side effects from
4. Have patient lie on side to expose ear that is to
have eardrops. If patient is sitting, have patient tilt
head so that the ear is exposed. Drape towel
around patient’s shoulders to protect clothes.
eardrops.
5. Pinch dropper bulb and release it to draw up
medication into dropper.
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