Ateneo de Zamboanga University

College of Nursing

NURSING SKILLS OUTPUT (NSO)

Report No. _1_
EAR DROPS IRRIGATION
I. DESCRIPTION:
Ear irrigation entails rinsing the external ear canal with saline solution. Irrigating
the ear canal will remove excess earwax and cleanse the ear canal. Using a cotton
swab to clean the external ear canal poses the risk of accidentally rupturing the ear
drum. Cotton swabs can also push earwax deeper into the ear and cause the ear to
become impacted. Proper irrigation can leave the ears wax free and minimize risk of
bacterial infection.

II. MATERIALS/ EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

Towel
Kidney Basin
Bulb Syringe
Irrigating Nozzle

III. PROCEDURE
1. Explain procedure to patient.
2. Bring equipment to patients beside. Check physicians order. Protect patient and
bed linens with a waterproof pad.
3. Perform hand hygiene.
4. Have patient sit up or lie with head tilted toward the side of the affected ear. Have
patient support a basin under the ear to receive the irrigating solution.
5. Clean pinna and meatus at the auditory canal as necessary with applicators
dipped in warm tap water or irrigating solution.
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6. Fill bulb syringe with solution. If using an irrigating container, allow air to escape
from tubing.
7. Straighten auditory canal by pulling the pinna up and back for an adult, straight
and back for a child over 3 years of age, and down and back for an infant or child
up to 3 years of age.
8. Direct a steady slow stream of solution against roof of auditory canal, using only
sufficient force to remove secretions. Do not occlude auditory canal with irrigating
nozzle. Allow solution to flow out unimpeded.
9. When irrigation solution is completed, place cotton ball loosely in the auditory
meatus and have patient lie on the side of the affected ear on a towel or
absorbent pad.
10. Perform hand hygiene.
11. Chart irrigation, appearance of drainage, and patients response.

IV. DIAGRAM/ ILLUSTRATIONS:

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V. NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. BEFORE PROCEDURE

Read/check physicians order

Explain procedure

Do medical hand washing

Assist patient in sitting position/Head tilt.

2. DURING PROCEDURE

Place a towel under the shoulder

Support a basin under the patient earOn abdomen with head turned to side

While still on abdomen, have patient cough to raise secretions.

3. AFTER PROCEDURE

Time of irrigation

Effect of treatment.

Kind and amount of solution used.

Nature of the returned flow.

Do after care.

Reference:
http://www.ehow.com/way_5485627_ear-irrigation-procedures.html#ixzz2vYjmnx3K
www.scribd.com/doc/39476702
http://nursingcrib.com/demo-checklist/administering-an-ear-irrigation/

NOVEMBER 5, 6, 2013

MS. MARIA FE AGUILAR

Date

Clinical Instructors Initials

EDMUND W. RUFINO
BSN III-C

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