Ear instillation
Description:
An ear instillation is a solution of topical medicine prepared for administration into the ear canal. Medicine instilled into the ear is absorbed through the skin of the ear canal and membranes of the eardrum. It is used primarily to treat wax build-up and inflammations or infections of the ear.
Materials/ Equipment Needed:
· dropper tip or cotton swabs
· medicine dropper
· cotton balls or swabs
Procedure:
1. Wash hands prior to instilling medication.
2. Check the medication label each time to avoid medication errors. Be sure it is the right medicine, the right dose (strength), the right time, the right person and the right method.
3. Look at the expiration date on the label. Do not use outdated medicine.
4. Warm the eardrops to body temperature by rolling the bottle in the hands for several minutes before the instillation.
5. To instill eardrops, have the patient lie on his or her side with the affected ear up.
6. Gently pull the lobe of the ear up and back to open the ear canal (down and back for children under the age of three).
7. Hold the medicine dropper just above the entrance to the ear canal and squeeze out the correct number of drops.
8. Release the ear and have the patient remain still for five minutes to allow absorption of the eardrops.
9. Repeat the procedure on the other ear if ordered.
10. Have tissues or a warm washcloth available to wipe off residual medicine that may drip out of the ear when the patient sits up.
11. A small piece of clean cotton ball may be placed into the outer portion of the ear canal to absorb excess medicine if desired.
12. Discard soiled tissues and cotton in a bag that can be closed and discarded.
13. Wipe the tip of the ear dropper with a clean tissue and recap the bottle.
14. The hands should be washed again after completing the procedure.
Diagram/ Illustrations:
Nursing Responsibilities:
Before Procedure:
· Introduce yourself, explain what you are going to do and why.
· The hands should be washed before administering ear instillation medicine.
· Get verbal consent.
· Make sure the patient is comfortable.
· Get all the necessary equipment ready.
· Patients should have the procedure explained to them before instillation to ensure best results.
During Procedure:
· The hands should be washed before administering ear drops.
· Check the medication label each time to avoid medication errors.
· Be sure it is the right medicine, the right dose (strength), the right time, the right person and the right method.
· Look at the expiration date on the label.
· Do not use outdated medicine.
· Warm the eardrops to body temperature by rolling the bottle in the hands for several minutes before the instillation.
After Procedure:
· Explain your findings to the patient.
Reference: "General Information About Otic (Ear) Medicines." Intel i Health Online. 2001. <http://www.intelihealth.com>.
Categories:
Procedures
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There is no complication for ear instillation
There is no complication for instillation of ear drops