(c) If a hole or tear is noted when viewing the eardrum, do not irrigate
the ear. It would cause pain and possibly transmit serious infection to the middle ear.
NOTE:
A hole or tear in the ear should be reported to the supervisor.
e. Position the patient for irrigation. The patient should be positioned with
his head tilted slightly towards the affected side. This position is used for a patient
sitting or lying.
f.
Drape the patient. Drape his shoulder with absorbent pads under the
affected ear; cover the shoulder and the upper arm area.
g. Cleanse the external ear and meatus at the entrance of the ear canal.
Place one 4 X 4-inch sponge in irrigation solution, wring out excess solution, and clean
any debris from the external ear and the meatus of the auditory canal.
NOTE:
When using a cotton-tipped applicator, be careful not to stick it to far into the
ear as the tympanic membrane could be ruptured.
h. Fill the irrigating syringe.
(1)
Grasp the syringe bulb and/or plunger.
(2)
Depress the bulb of the irrigating syringe.
(3)
Place the tip of the irrigating syringe in the solution.
(4)
Release the bulb and allow syringe to fill, or pull back on the syringe
plunger.
i. Test the flow of solution from the syringe. Expel a small quantity of solution
back into the container.
j.
Position the emesis basin.
(1)
Place the basin just below the ear on the affected side (see figure 6-5).
(2) Press firmly against the patient's neck (have the patient hold the basin if
he is capable).
k. Straighten the ear canal.
(1)
Gently grasp the auricle of the patient's affected ear.
(2)
Pull the auricle up and backward for an adult.
(3)
Pull the auricle down and backward for a child.
MD0547
6-7