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Copyright © 2011 by Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills:SKILL 5-19Administering an Ear Irrigation (Continued)
Commentsb. Ask the patient to state his or her name and birth date,
based on facility policy.
c. If the patient cannot identify him- or herself, verify the
patient’s identification with a staff member who knows
the patient for the second source.- Explain procedure to patient.
- Assemble equipment at patient’s bedside.
- Put on gloves.
- Have the patient sit up or lie with head tilted toward side
of the affected ear. Protect the patient and bed with a
waterproof pad. Have the patient support basin under the
ear to receive the irrigating solution. - Clean pinna and meatus of auditory canal, as necessary,
with moistened cotton-tipped applicators dipped in warm
tap water or the irrigating solution. - Fill bulb syringe with warm solution. If an irrigating con-
tainer is used, prime the tubing. - Straighten auditory canal by pulling cartilaginous portion
of pinna up and back for an adult.
22.Direct a steady, slow stream of solution against the roof
of the auditory canal, using only enough force to remove
secretions. Do not occlude the auditory canal with the
irrigating nozzle. Allow solution to flow out unimpeded. - When irrigation is complete, place a cotton ball loosely in
auditory meatus and have patient lie on side of affected ear
on a towel or absorbent pad. - Remove gloves. Assist the patient to a comfortable position.
- Remove additional PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.
- Document the administration of the medication immediately
after administration. - Evaluate the patient’s response to the procedure. Return
in 10 to 15 minutes and remove cotton ball and assess
drainage. Evaluate the patient’s response to medication
within appropriate time frame.
ExcellentSatisfactoryNeeds Practice