Transcript Ear Irrigation

EAR LAVAGE
EAR IRRIGATION PROCEDURE
Purpose:
To clean the external ear of cerumen
or a foreign body.
CROSS SECTION OF THE EAR

EAR LAVAGE
NORMAL T YMPANIC MEMBRANE
EQUIPMENT / SUPPLIES
 Basin for irrigation
solution
 60cc syringe with
butterfly tubing, or ear
lavage tip.
 Ear basin or emesis
basin for outflow.
 Chux
 Otoscope
 Unsterile gloves
 Optional: goggles,
bayonet forceps for
provider.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
 Look at the order
 If no details use tap water
only
 Other possibilities which
need to be specified in the
order may include
-1/2 strength peroxide
-Presoak with Debrox or
Docusate Sodium.
 Before you irrigate the ear
with the solution, you
must have pt confirm the
temp (if pediatric pt, have
parent confirm temp).
STEPS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Wash your hands.
Assemble the equipment and supplies.
Greet and identify the patient.
Explain the procedure.
Have patient sit down.
Drape patient with waterproof barrier.
Using otoscope visualize ear canal and tympanic membrane.
INSPECT THE AFFECTED EAR WITH
OTOSCOPE
STEPS
8. Instruct patient or parent to hold basin under ear to be
lavaged.
9. Fill emesis basin with warm water
10. Put on gloves.
11. Tilt the patient’s head toward the af fected side.
12. Fill the syringe.
13. Gently position the auricle with the nondominant hand.
14. With the dominant hand, place the tip of the syringe into the
auditory meatus, and direct the flow of solution toward the
roof of the canal.
STEPS
16. Continue irrigation until returned solution is clear.
17. Dry the patient’s external ear.
18. Attempt to visualize tympanic membrane again with the
otoscope.
19. Report to provider results of ear lavage before discharging
the patient.
20. Document on patient record/EHR a brief description of
procedure and patient’s response.
21. Properly care for or dispose of equipment and supplies.
Clean the work area. Wash your hands.