How should ear drops be administered to an adult?

To effectively administer ear drops to an adult, it is essential to pull the pinna up and back. This technique allows for the proper alignment of the ear canal, which facilitates the drop's direct entry into the deeper part of the ear. When the pinna is pulled up and back, it straightens the ear canal, allowing for better delivery of the medication and ensuring that it can reach the eardrum more efficiently.

Understanding the anatomy of the ear is crucial for this process. Adults have a more curved ear canal compared to children, which is why pulling the pinna up and back is particularly effective in these cases. This method not only enhances the administration process but also minimizes discomfort for the patient.

The other techniques—such as pulling the earlobe down and back or keeping the ear facing down—are more suitable for children, as their ear canals are shaped differently and require alternative positioning to ensure proper medication flow. Keeping the ear canal straight back isn't a standard method and may lead to improper placement of the drops. Thus, pulling the pinna up and back is the correct and most effective technique for adults when administering ear drops.