The nurse is preparing to irrigate the ears of a 67-year-old client with impacted cerumen. Place the following steps for ear irrigation in the correct order. All options must be used.

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11ecbb05_cb24_57fb_b433_03d60cbaa657_MD0009_00 Ear irrigation may be prescribed to remove impacted or excess cerumen; the following steps describe this procedure: Assess client for contraindications (eg, fever, ear infection). Use an otoscope to inspect the external ear canal. Verify that the tympanic membrane is intact and ensure there are no foreign bodies (Option A). Assess client for contraindications (eg, fever, ear infection). Use an otoscope to inspect the external ear canal. Verify that the tympanic membrane is intact and ensure there are no foreign bodies (Option A). Explain the procedure to the client, including possible sensations (eg, vertigo, fullness, warmth). Explain the procedure to the client, including possible sensations (eg, vertigo, fullness, warmth). Place the client in a side-lying or sitting position with the head tilted toward the affected ear (Option D). Place a towel and an emesis basin under the ear (Option C). Place the client in a side-lying or sitting position with the head tilted toward the affected ear (Option D). Place a towel and an emesis basin under the ear (Option C). Verify that the irrigation solution is at body temperature (98.6 F [37 C]) to minimize discomfort. Verify that the irrigation solution is at body temperature (98.6 F [37 C]) to minimize discomfort. Straighten the ear canal, pulling the pinna up and back for adults or down and back for children age ?3 years (Option E). Straighten the ear canal, pulling the pinna up and back for adults or down and back for children age ?3 years (Option E). Irrigate gently with a slow, steady flow of solution, directing the syringe tip toward the top of the ear canal (Option B). Avoid occluding the canal to prevent increased pressure and rupture of the tympanic membrane. Stop immediately if the client experiences severe pain, nausea, or dizziness. Irrigate gently with a slow, steady flow of solution, directing the syringe tip toward the top of the ear canal (Option B). Avoid occluding the canal to prevent increased pressure and rupture of the tympanic membrane. Stop immediately if the client experiences severe pain, nausea, or dizziness. Repeat as tolerated until the ear canal is clear or the prescribed amount is instilled. Repeat as tolerated until the ear canal is clear or the prescribed amount is instilled. Document the type, temperature, and volume of solution; exudate characteristics; response to the irrigation; and client teaching. Document the type, temperature, and volume of solution; exudate characteristics; response to the irrigation; and client teaching. Educational objective: To perform ear irrigation, assess for contraindications (fever, ear infection, tympanic membrane injury); tilt the affected ear down; straighten the ear canal; and use a solution at body temperature to irrigate gently, aiming toward the top of the ear canal until it is clear.

The Nurse Is Preparing to Irrigate the Ears of a 67-Year-Old