Question

Which action will the nurse take when performing ear irrigation for a patient with cerumen impaction?

a. Assist the patient to a supine position for the irrigation.
b. Fill the irrigation syringe with body-temperature solution.
c. Use a sterile applicator to clean the ear canal before irrigating.
d. Occlude the ear canal completely with the syringe while irrigating.

Answer 1

When performing ear irrigation for a patient with cerumen impaction, the nurse should assist the patient to a sitting or slightly inclined position, fill the irrigation syringe with body-temperature solution, use a sterile applicator to clean the ear canal before irrigating, and avoid completely occluding the ear canal with the syringe.

Step-by-step explanation:

When performing ear irrigation for a patient with cerumen impaction, the nurse will take several actions:

1. Assisting the patient to a sitting or slightly inclined position is recommended to prevent aspiration or other complications.
2. The irrigation syringe should be filled with body-temperature water or a saline solution to ensure patient comfort and safety.
3. The ear canal should be cleaned with a sterile applicator before irrigating, to remove any excess cerumen and ensure effective irrigation.
4. During irrigation, the nurse should not occlude the ear canal completely with the syringe. This can create excess pressure and potential harm to the patient.