Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

What is the correct step for administering ear medication?

1. Hold the ear dropper directly against the ear.

2. Squeeze the bulb to deliver the prescribed drops.

3. Ask the patient to turn their head to the side.

4. Use a cotton ball after administration to block the ear.

The correct answer is: Squeeze the bulb to deliver the prescribed drops.

For administering ear medication, it is essential to ensure that the medication is delivered effectively into the ear canal. Squeezing the bulb to deliver the prescribed drops is critical because it allows for the precise dosage of the medication to reach the affected area. Holding the ear dropper too close can create a risk of introducing bacteria, and turning the patient's head to the side, while helpful in some situations to allow the medication to flow down the ear canal, does not directly pertain to the action of administering the medication itself. Using a cotton ball after administration is generally not encouraged in this context, as it can prevent the medication from permeating properly into the ear. Thus, delivering the drops accurately by squeezing the bulb is the most correct and effective step in the ear medication administration process, ensuring that the treatment can work effectively.