Administration of Otic Medications and Ear Irrigation
Ateneo de Zamboanga University
College of Nursing
NURSING SKILLS OUTPUT (NSO)
Report No. 1
EAR DROPS INSTILLATION & EAR IRRIGATION
I. DESCRIPTION:
Ear drops instillation: Medication can be introduced into the ear to soften wax, relieve pain, or treat disease. The instillation of medication to the ear is a clean procedure, except when the tympanic membrane is not intact, in which case sterile technique is needed.
Ear irrigation: Before an ear can be irrigated, it must be examined with an otoscope to check the tympanic membrane. This may have been done by the physician, but if not, you should do it. If the tympanic membrane is not intact, do not irrigate the ear. The fluid could enter the middle ear and cause an infection. You should also inspect the pinna and the external ear canal for signs of infection, open areas, the presence of cerumen, or foreign objects. An ear irrigation is most often used to remove cerumen or a foreign object in the ear.
II. MATERIALS NEEDED:
III. PROCEDURE:
Preparation:
1. Review the medication record to identify whether any medications are to be given to your patient.
2. Examine the medication administration record (MAR) for accuracy and completeness as prescribed by your facility.
2.1. Check the MAR for the drug name, strength, number of drops, and prescribed frequency.
2.2. If the MAR is unclear, or pertinent information is missing, compare it with the most recent primary care provider’s written order.
2.3. Report any discrepancies as agency policy dictates.
2.4. Know why the patient is receiving the medication, the drug classification, contraindications, usual dose range, side effects, and nursing considerations for administering and evaluating the intended outcomes of the medication.
3. Review information about the medication(s) to be administered.
Assessment:
1. Assess whether the patient can take the medications as ordered (e.g., ability to swallow, level of consciousness).
2.
College of Nursing
NURSING SKILLS OUTPUT (NSO)
Report No. 1
EAR DROPS INSTILLATION & EAR IRRIGATION
I. DESCRIPTION:
Ear drops instillation: Medication can be introduced into the ear to soften wax, relieve pain, or treat disease. The instillation of medication to the ear is a clean procedure, except when the tympanic membrane is not intact, in which case sterile technique is needed.
Ear irrigation: Before an ear can be irrigated, it must be examined with an otoscope to check the tympanic membrane. This may have been done by the physician, but if not, you should do it. If the tympanic membrane is not intact, do not irrigate the ear. The fluid could enter the middle ear and cause an infection. You should also inspect the pinna and the external ear canal for signs of infection, open areas, the presence of cerumen, or foreign objects. An ear irrigation is most often used to remove cerumen or a foreign object in the ear.
II. MATERIALS NEEDED:
III. PROCEDURE:
Preparation:
1. Review the medication record to identify whether any medications are to be given to your patient.
2. Examine the medication administration record (MAR) for accuracy and completeness as prescribed by your facility.
2.1. Check the MAR for the drug name, strength, number of drops, and prescribed frequency.
2.2. If the MAR is unclear, or pertinent information is missing, compare it with the most recent primary care provider’s written order.
2.3. Report any discrepancies as agency policy dictates.
2.4. Know why the patient is receiving the medication, the drug classification, contraindications, usual dose range, side effects, and nursing considerations for administering and evaluating the intended outcomes of the medication.
3. Review information about the medication(s) to be administered.
Assessment:
1. Assess whether the patient can take the medications as ordered (e.g., ability to swallow, level of consciousness).
2.
References: Kozier, B. et al. (2008). Kozier & Erb’s Fundamentals of Nursing Eighth Edition (Checklist). Philippines: Pearson Education, Inc. Ellis, J. R. et al. (1998). Modules for Basic Nursing Skills Sixth Edition (Volume 2). Washington: Lippincott. Images from: Theodora.com and Drugs.com NOVEMBER 9, 2013 MR. LEONARDO MORALES, RN, MN Date Clinical Instructor EPPING, KHALID BIN WALID E. BSN III – A