MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION - EYES, EARS, NOSE,

Eyes
Use surgical aseptic technique when instilling
medication.
Have client sit upright or lie supine with the
head tilted slightly and looking up at ceiling.
Rest dominant hand on client’s forehead, hold
dropper above conjunctival sac approximately
1 to 2 cm, drop medication into center of sac,
and have client close eye gently.
Apply gentle pressure with finger and a clean
tissue on nasolacrimal duct for 30 to 60 seconds
to prevent systemic absorption of medication
EARS
Use medical aseptic technique when
administering medication.
Have client sit upright or maintain side lying position
Straighten ear canal by pulling auricle upward
and outward for adults, or down and back
for children. Hold dropper 1 cm above ear
canal, instill medication, and then gently apply
pressure with finger to tragus of the ear
NOSE
Use medical aseptic technique when
administering medication.
Place client supine with head positioned to allow
medication to enter appropriate nasal passage.
Use dominant hand to instill drops, supporting
head with nondominant hand. Hold end of the
dropper about 1.5 cm above nostril.
Instruct client to breathe through mouth, stay in
a supine position, and avoid blowing nose for
5 min after drop insertion