Question

The physician has ordered Cortisporin ear drops for a 2-year-old. To administer the ear drops, the nurse should: A. Pull the ear down and back B. Pull the ear straight out C. Pull the ear up and back D. Leave the ear undisturbed

Short answer

Answer: Pull the ear down and back.

Step-by-step solution

Eliminate incorrect answers

First, let's eliminate the options that are not appropriate for administering ear drops to a 2-year-old child. Option D, "Leave the ear undisturbed," is not correct because it does not involve administering the ear drops at all.

Correct positioning for administering ear drops

For a 2-year-old child, the correct way to position the ear is to pull the ear down and back (Option A). This is because the ear canal in young children is more horizontal. Pulling the ear down and back helps to straighten out the ear canal to facilitate the administration of the ear drops.

Correct answer

Based on our analysis, the correct answer to the question is: A. Pull the ear down and back

Key concepts

Pediatric Nursing

Pediatric nursing is a specialized field that focuses on the care of infants, children, and adolescents. During their growth and developmental stages, children require different nursing care compared to adults. Nurses in pediatric settings must be particularly vigilant about using age-appropriate techniques, communicating effectively with both children and their families, and understanding the unique anatomy and physiology of the young patients.

For instance, pediatric nurses perform assessments that consider developmental milestones, and tailor their approach to suit a child's cognitive and emotional levels. They must also be capable of delivering family-centered care, recognizing that a child's well-being is closely connected to the well-being of their family members. The administration of medication, such as ear drops in young children, is a task that requires the pediatric nurse to possess both technical skills and the ability to engage with the child in a comforting manner.

Administering Ear Drops

Administering ear drops is a common nursing procedure that must be performed correctly to ensure the medication reaches the ear canal and is effective. For children, especially for those under the age of three, the anatomy of the ear canal necessitates a specific technique. The ear canal in young children is different in shape and orientation from that of older children and adults.

To administer ear drops to a child, such as the 2-year-old mentioned in the exercise, the nurse needs to gently pull the ear down and back to straighten the ear canal. This aligns the canal such that the drops can flow down easily, allowing the medication to reach the targeted area. It's essential for the nurse to explain the procedure in a manner the child can understand, offer comfort, and perhaps use distraction techniques to avoid any distress or discomfort.

Nursing Procedures

Nursing procedures encompass a variety of clinical tasks and interventions that nurses are trained to perform. These may include administering medications, wound care, patient assessments, and many others. Each procedure follows a set of best practices and standards to ensure patient safety and the effectiveness of care. For example, when administering ear drops to pediatric patients, nurses follow specific guidelines tailored to the age and development of the child.

Performing these procedures with precision is critical, so nurses must keep their skills sharp through ongoing education and practice. In addition to technical proficiency, nurses must also approach each procedure with empathy and a patient-centered mindset, aiming to minimize discomfort and anxiety for their patients. Nursing interventions, big or small, make a significant impact on patient recovery and health outcomes.