How should adult ear drops be administered?

Administering ear drops in adults requires positioning the ear correctly to ensure that the medication reaches the intended area within the ear canal. The correct technique involves pulling the outer ear upward and backward. This orientation helps to straighten the ear canal, allowing for better penetration of the drops into the canal.

When the ear is pulled upward and back, it opens the ear canal wider, which is particularly beneficial for ensuring that the drops can effectively reach the eardrum and inner structures. This method is crucial to maximize the effectiveness of the medication being delivered and minimize the risk of it running out of the ear or not being absorbed properly.

In contrast, other methods such as down and forward or flat and sideways do not provide the same degree of access to the canal, which can hinder effective treatment. Additionally, forward and upward may not be the correct description for the adult ear drop administration technique. Hence, positioning the ear upward and backward is recognized as the standard practice for adults.