Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

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Prepare for the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) Exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations. Ace your certification with confidence!

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What is the correct technique for administering ear drops to a 6-month-old with otitis media?

Pull the ear down and back to open the canal
Pull the ear up and back to open the canal
Pull the ear down and forward to open the canal
Pull the ear up and forward to open the canal

The correct answer is: Pull the ear down and back to open the canal

The correct technique for administering ear drops to a 6-month-old involves pulling the ear down and back to open the ear canal. This is because infants and young children have a different anatomy compared to older children and adults. Their ear canals are positioned more horizontally, and pulling the ear downwards and backward helps to straighten the canal. This positioning ensures that the drops can reach the tympanic membrane (eardrum) effectively. When providing care to a child with otitis media, proper administration of medication is crucial for treatment efficacy. Using the appropriate technique allows for better absorption of the medication and can help improve outcomes for the child suffering from ear infections. For older children, the technique changes to pulling the ear up and back, as the ear canal becomes more vertical with age. This distinction in technique is vital for caregivers and healthcare providers to remember when treating patients of different ages.