Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 78%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A nurse is preparing to administer ear drops to a 2-year-old toddler who has an ear infection and a small amount of purulent drainage visible around the ear.Which of the following techniques should the nurse use when instilling the medication?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B because applying clean gloves and cleaning the outer ear before instilling drops helps prevent contamination and reduces the risk of infection. Cleaning the outer ear also ensures better absorption of the medication. Choice A is incorrect as microwaving the medication can alter its composition. Choice C is incorrect because pushing a cotton ball into the ear canal can cause injury or blockage. Choice D is incorrect as pulling the child's ear auricle can lead to discomfort and improper medication administration.