Pediatrics Medications: Pediatric Eardrop(S) Administration SECTION: 20.18

Pediatrics – Medications: Pediatric Eardrop(s) Administration SECTION: 20.18 Strength of Evidence Level: 3 __RN__LPN/LVN__HHA

PURPOSE: 12. Praise the child. To introduce eardrops into the ear, usually to treat an 13. Discard soiled supplies in appropriate container. ear infection or inflammation, to soften cerumen for later 14. Remove gloves and wash hands. removal, and /or for local anesthesia. 15. Have parent/caregiver do return demonstrations as needed and appropriate. CONSIDERATIONS: AFTER CARE: 1. Medication should be warmed to body temperature before administration. Cold medication can cause 16. Document in the patient’s record: vertigo, nausea and pain. The bottle can be rolled a. Medication. between the hands to warm the medication or be b. Dose. placed in a bowl of warm water prior to instillation. c. Route. 2. Upon occasion, the doctor’s order includes an ear d. Time given. wick following eardrop administration. Wicks are e. Complications usually pieces of cotton formed into a cone shape. f. Child’s response to the procedure. The pointed end of the cone is covered with the g. Parent/caregiver understanding of teachings. medication. The pointed end of the cone is inserted 17. Provide parent/caregiver with a teaching tool, first into the ear canal. The wick should be large including the following information: enough to prevent disappearance of it into the ear a. Medication action, dose, time, route and side canal. effects. 3. For children younger than 3 years of age, gently pull b. Age appropriate techniques for administration. the outer ear down and back while instilling. c. Reasons to call the homecare nurse or 4. For children 3 years and older, gently pull the top of physician. the ear up and toward the back while instilling. 5. Use at least 2 patient identifiers prior to administering medications.

EQUIPMENT: Prescribed otic medication. Cotton balls Gloves and personal protective equipment (PPE), as needed Towel Light source

PROCEDURE: 1. Check the physician order for the: a. Patient name. b. Medication. c. Dose. d. Time. e. Route. 2. Wash hands and gather supplies. 3. Explain the procedure to the parent and child. 4. Wash hands and don gloves. 5. Position child lying on the side opposite the ear to be instilled. 6. Position the wrist of the hand administering the medicine on the patient’s cheek or head to steady the hand. 7. Position the dropper so the drops fall against the side of the canal. 8. Instill the correct number of drops into the canal. 9. After instilling, insert a wick if ordered. 10. Attempt to keep the patient lying in the same position for 1 minute. 11. Gently massage the front of the ear to facilitate the flow of the medication into the inside of the ear.