When administering ofloxacin otic drops for otitis externa, what should the nurse do?

When administering ofloxacin otic drops for otitis externa, applying gentle pressure with a finger to the tragus of the ear is an important technique. This action helps facilitate the flow of the medication deeper into the ear canal, allowing for better contact with the affected area. The tragus acts somewhat like a valve, and gentle pressure can aid in ensuring that the medication is effectively distributed and absorbed.

The other choices may not generally be necessary or effective. For instance, positioning the patient face down is not a standard practice for administering otic drops; instead, most patients are positioned with the affected ear up to allow gravity to assist in the medication’s delivery. Placing a bandage over the ear post-administration is typically unnecessary unless instructed to do so for specific reasons. Warming the drops before administration is a practice that might be advised in some scenarios to prevent discomfort but is not routinely required for ofloxacin otic drops. Therefore, the correct practice focuses on pressing the tragus to enhance the efficacy of the treatment.