Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 86%
Simulated
A nurse is administering an otic medication to an older adult patient. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure the medication reaches the inner ear?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Correct Answer: A. Gently press on the tragus of the patient's ear.
Rationale: Pressing on the tragus helps straighten the ear canal, allowing better penetration of the medication into the inner ear. This action facilitates proper administration and ensures the medication reaches the target area effectively.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Packing cotton deep into the ear canal can obstruct the medication from reaching the inner ear, causing ineffective treatment.
C: Moving the auricle down and back does not aid in directing the medication towards the inner ear and may disrupt the administration process.
D: Tilting the head backward for 5 minutes does not specifically target the inner ear and may not enhance medication delivery to the intended site.
Rationale: Pressing on the tragus helps straighten the ear canal, allowing better penetration of the medication into the inner ear. This action facilitates proper administration and ensures the medication reaches the target area effectively.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Packing cotton deep into the ear canal can obstruct the medication from reaching the inner ear, causing ineffective treatment.
C: Moving the auricle down and back does not aid in directing the medication towards the inner ear and may disrupt the administration process.
D: Tilting the head backward for 5 minutes does not specifically target the inner ear and may not enhance medication delivery to the intended site.