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Message 1Otic Medication AdministrationIndicationsOtic medications (ear drops) are liquid medications instilled into affected ears. Indications for otic medications include:Infection (eg, acute otitis externa)InflammationImpacted cerumen (earwax) y Ofloxacin y Ciprofloxacin y Hydrocortisone y Dexamethasone y Acetic acid y Cerumenolytics soften and break down hardened cerumen. ○ Carbamide peroxide ○ Hydrogen peroxideWhen the drops are administered directly into the ear, systemic effects associated with oral medications are minimized. Otic medications are contraindicated in clients with perforated eardrum. Nursing InterventionsAduUp ● Pull the pinna up and back to straighten the ear canal 

2ChildDown ● Pull the pinna down and back to straighten the ear  ● Otic medications should be warmed to room temperature prior to administration. Holding the method of warming refrigerated medications. Instilling cold drops can be painful or cause a  ● The nurse should visually inspect the medication prior to administration. If the otic solution is cloudy, it should  ● A cotton ball can be placed into the outer part of the cotton ball into the ear canal because this can occlude the canal and/or absorb the medication.Otic Drop Administration1) Ensure the solution is at room temperature prior to administration to help reduce discomfort.2) Turn the client to a side-lying position with the affected ear facing up.accuracy during administration. 4) into the ear canal.5) Administer the medication into the ear canal by gently squeezing the dropper, which will release the drops of medication into the ear.6) Once the drops are administered, apply gentle pressure or massage the tragus (the thick piece of flesh in front of the ear canal) to encourage the drops to flow down the ear canal.7) allow the drops to reach the destination and for absorption of the medication.

3Check for Understanding 1The nurse is preparing to administer otic medications to a group of clients. The nurse should pull the pinna down and back for the client who isa) 18 months oldb) c) d) 21 years old Check for Understanding 2The nurse is preparing to administer otic medication to a 4-year-old client. Which of the following actions would be a priority for the nurse to take when administering otic medication? a) Pull the auricle up and back.b) Place the client in the side-lying position.c) Warm the medication to room temperature.d) Check for Understanding 3The nurse is caring for a client with impacted cerumen. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to be prescribed for the client?a) ciprofloxacinb) hydrocortisonec) dexamethasoned) carbamide peroxideAnswers1) a2) ad