Title: Administer eardrops.
Course: Medication Aide (14051-36) > Section: Examining Administration of Prepared Instillations and Treatments

Administration should include

- knowledge of the purpose of otic medicines to treat ear infections, inflammation, pain, and to soften wax
- adhering to the following procedures for administering ear drops:
  - Provide for client privacy.
  - Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR.
  - Wash your hands.
  - Put on gloves if the client's ears are infected or bleeding.
  - Make sure the medication is room temperature.
  - Position the client on his/her side with the unaffected ear facing downward and the affected ear facing upward.
  - Use tissue or a gauze pad to wipe any secretions or drainage from the outside of the ear. Do not use a cotton swab or other sharp object.
  - When in a container that includes a dropper, remove the cap from the bottle and place it upside down on a clean, dry surface.
  - If using a separate dropper, check for cracks.
  - For an adult, straighten the ear canal by gently pulling the ear up and outward; for a child, pull the ear back and down.
  - Drop the prescribed amount of medication onto the outer part of the ear canal and gently rotate to move the medication into the ear canal.
  - Remove the extra medication with a cotton ball.
  - Instruct the client to maintain the position for 5 minutes to prevent medication from rolling out of the ear.
  - If included in instructions, place a cotton ball in the client’s ear.
  - Replace the cap and check for tight closure.
  - Properly dispose of gloves and wash your hands.
  - Document accurately in the MAR.