Which technique should be used for administering ear drops to a child?

Administering ear drops to a child requires a specific technique to ensure that the medication reaches the appropriate part of the ear canal effectively. The correct technique is to pull the ear down and back. This approach is used because a child's ear canal is shorter and more horizontal than an adult's, which makes this position ideal for ensuring that the drops can flow directly into the ear canal rather than being blocked.

By pulling the ear down and back, you straighten the ear canal, allowing the drops to enter more easily. This technique promotes proper absorption of the medication and helps reduce discomfort for the child. Ensuring the child is positioned comfortably and that any excess liquid does not escape can enhance the effectiveness of the medication being administered.

In contrast, other positions like pulling the ear flat and back, sideways and downward, or up and forward may not align the ear canal in a way that facilitates the best entry for the drops. Each of those methods can result in difficulties with proper administration, potentially causing missed doses or ineffective treatment.