When administering the otic route for patients under the age of 3, what is the correct technique?

For patients under the age of 3, the correct technique when administering medication via the otic route is to pull down and back on the auricle (the outer part of the ear). This method is crucial because the ear canal in young children is straighter and more horizontal compared to that of adults, which necessitates a different approach to ensure proper medication delivery.

Pulling down and back helps to straighten the ear canal, allowing for better access to the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and facilitating the effective deposition of the medication. Using this technique minimizes discomfort for the child and enhances the likelihood that the medication will reach the intended area within the ear.

Other techniques would not be appropriate for this age group. For instance, pulling up and back is suitable for older children and adults, whereas positioning the patient sitting upright may also not provide the optimal angle needed for medication administration in younger children. While using a syringe without a needle can be part of the technique, it does not address the positioning of the ear, which is critical for effectiveness in young patients.