What is the correct technique for administering ear drops to an adult?

When administering ear drops to an adult, the correct technique involves pulling the pinna upward and backward to straighten the ear canal. This action allows for better penetration of the medication, ensuring that it reaches the eardrum effectively. The upward and backward pull of the pinna opens the ear canal, allowing the drops to flow directly into the desired area.

In contrast, pulling the pinna downward and forward is more appropriate for younger children, whose ear canals are structured differently. Keeping the head tilted to the side is important to allow the drops to stay in the ear, but it is not a standalone technique for pinna manipulation. Administering ear drops while standing does not specifically affect the efficacy of the medication and does not provide the same control and stability as sitting or tilting the head. Therefore, pulling the pinna upward and backward is the optimal method for adults.