Control No.

_____
Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES
University Town, Northern Samar
Website: uep.edu.ph Email: ueppres06@gmail.com

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

ADMINISTERING EAR MEDICATION

Definition
 Administration of solution containing a medication into the ear.

Purpose
 For the treatment of localized infection or inflammation of the ear.
 To soften earwax and to facilitate removal of foreign body.

Equipment
 Otic or Ear drop solution
- Paper tissue
- Dropper provided by the manufacturer
- Penlight or otoscope

Special Consideration
 Pull earlobe/s downward and back in children under 3 years of age.
 Pull earlobe/s upward and back in client over 3 years of age.
*This stroke helps to straighten the external auditory canal.

PROCEDURE
1. Check for doctor’s order
2. Observe the 5R’s drug.
a) Right patient
b) Right route
c) Right dose
d) Right frequency
e) Right time
3. Provide privacy and give thorough
explanation of the procedure
4. Place client in a position so the affected ear
is directed upward with adequate lightning
5. Assess ear canal for wax accumulation. If
present get an order to irrigate the canal
before instilling the ear drops.
6. Allow medication to warm to room
temperature.
7. Administration of the solution. Observing the
special consideration. Instill only the amount
ordered. Avoid the tip of the dropper to
touch the inner ear.
8. Have the patient remain on the side for a
few minutes following installation.
9. Repeat procedures if ear drops are ordered
for both ears.
10. Wash hands
11. Documentation.
RATIONALE
 Administration of medication is dependent on the
order of the physician.
 Observing 5R’s in drug administration Prevents
error in giving medication.
 To obtain client’s cooperation.
 For thorough visualization of the internal ear.
 Ear wax may trap the ear solution, removal of it
may facilitate the absorption of the solution.
 Warm solution promotes comfort.
 Proper instillation of the eardrops is essential to
good response to drug therapy.
 To reach the deepest structure of the ear. Avoid
infection.
 Promote absorption of medication.
 To ensure both ear are treated.
 To reduce transmission of microorganisms.
 To provide accurate data in the care of client.
 Control No._____
Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES
University Town, Northern Samar
Website: uep.edu.ph Email: ueppres06@gmail.com

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CHECKLIST

ADMINISTERING EAR MEDICATION

PROCEDURE Able to Able to Unable

Perfor Perform with to
m Assistance Perform
(2) (1) (0)
1. Check for doctor’s order
2. Observe the 5R’s drug.
f) Right patient
g) Right route
h) Right dose
i) Right frequency
j) Right time
3. Provide privacy and give thorough explanation of the
procedure
4. Place client in a position so the affected ear is directed
upward with adequate lightning
5. Assess ear canal for wax accumulation. If present get an
order to irrigate the canal before instilling the ear drops.
6. Allow medication to warm to room temperature.
7. Administration of the solution. Observing the special
consideration. Instill only the amount ordered. Avoid the tip
of the dropper to touch the inner ear.
8. Have the patient remain on the side for a few minutes
following installation.
9. Repeat procedures if ear drops are ordered for both ears.
10. Wash hands
11. Documentation.

Remarks:____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Grade: _____________

______________________________ __________________________
Clinical Instructor Student’s Signature
 Control No._____
Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES
University Town, Northern Samar
Website: uep.edu.ph Email: ueppres06@gmail.com

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CHECKLIST

ADMINISTERING EAR MEDICATION

PROCEDURE ABLE TO ABLE TO UNABLE

PERFORM PERFORM TO
WITH PERFORM
ASSISTANCE
Assessment
1. Assess condition of client’s ear
Planning
2. Wash Hands
3. Assemble the equipment
Implementation
4. Check the doctor’s order
5. Observe the 5R’s drug administration
a. Right patient
b. Right route
c. Right dose
d. Right frequency
e. Right time
6. Provide for privacy and give a thorough
explanation of the procedure.
7. Place client in a position so the affected ear
is directed upward with adequate lighting.
8. Cleanse external ear, assess for wax
accumulation and if necessary and upon
doctor’s order do irrigating.
9. Warm solution to be instilled
10. Administer the solution.
11. Have the client remain on the side a few
minutes following installation.
12. Repeat procedures in the other ear if
necessary
13. Wash hands.
Evaluation
14. Time, ate, drug name, dosage and site.
Documentation
15. Record any sign and symptom of adverse
reaction.

Remarks:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Grades; _________

______________________ ________________________
Clinical Instructor Student`s Signature