c. Fill the large basin with hot water and place the container of irrigating solution
into it.
d. Approach and identify the patient.
e. Explain the procedure to the patient.
f. Clean the external ear with moistened cotton balls or gauze squares.
g. Wash your hands.
h. Test the temperature of the irrigating solution with the sterile solution
thermometer. The solution should be between 95F-105F (body temperature) to avoid
causing dizziness.
i. Assist the patient to a sitting position with the head tilted slightly forward and
toward the affected side.
j. Place a chux pad over the patient's shoulders to keep clothing dry.
k. Fill the irrigating syringe with solution and expel all air from the syringe.
l. Instruct the patient to hold the emesis basin against his neck, directly under
the ear to be irrigated.
m. Straighten the ear canal.
n. Point the tip of the irrigating syringe upward and toward the back of the ear
canal.
o. Direct a steady stream of solution into the ear, aiming toward the roof of the
ear canal (figure 1-5).
Figure 1-5. Irrigating the ear.
MD0919
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