Ear Drop Instillation Procedure

• The standard DOT procedure outlines the steps for instillation of ear drops to provide appropriate administration and maintain DIPPS.
• Supplies include ear drops, gloves, and tissues or cotton balls.
• Schedule is TID, HCA to administer morning and evening doses.
• Observe and report inability to complete task, changes in client condition, drainage from ear(s), and client complaints of pain, itching, or vision changes.
• Store supplies in cupboard beside fridge or sink or lock box.

Procedure for Ear Drop Instillation

• Wash hands to maintain cleanliness.
• Gather supplies on clean, dry surface to complete task in an organized manner.
• Arrange drop containers in order from Client Specific Instructions so that the correct drops are administered as ordered.
• Put on gloves to maintain cleanliness.
• Verify the Rights of Medication Assistance to ensure proper medication is given.
• Place the client in comfortable position with head tilted to expose the ear that needs the drop.
• The ear should face upwards, allowing the solution to flow into the middle ear with gravity.
• Verify the Rights of Medication Assistance to ensure proper medication is given.
• Remove bottle cap without touching the tip, placing the cap on a clean, dry surface on its side to prevent infection spread.
• Verify the Rights of Medication Assistance and ensure safety.
• For adults, gently pull the upper ear up and back; for children, pull down and back to allow solution flow into the middle ear with gravity.
• Instill one drop without letting the bottle tip touch the ear promoting comfort, safety and preventing contamination
• Gently massage the outside of the ear (tragus), and apply cotton ball for few minutes distributing drops in ear canal and preventing leaks
• Repeat for subsequent drops of medication as instructed ensuring medication is being administered correctly.
• Use clean tissue to blot excess medication which will remove excess liquid and promote comfort
• Recap medication bottle which will prevent contamination of bottle and maintain cleanliness
• Repeat steps for other ear if needed ensuring medication is administered correctly.
• Repeat steps for other medications as outlined in the Client Specific Instructions guaranteeing all medications administered as ordered.
• Dispose of tissues, cotton balls, and gloves properly maintaining cleanliness.
• Return ear drops to proper storage which will ensure safe storage of drops.
• Document, reporting any notable observations and maintaining accurate records.

Additional Information

• An example drug is Sulfacort.
• Administer one drop to the right ear in the morning and at night by HCA.

This lesson outlines the standard DOT procedure for ear drop instillation, emphasizing proper administration and DIPPS maintenance. It details required supplies, scheduling (TID, HCA administration), and reporting observations. Proper storage of supplies is also covered.