After administrating eardrops, how long should you keep the client level?

Keeping the client level for 3-5 minutes after administering eardrops is important to ensure that the medication has adequate time to be absorbed and distributed within the ear canal. This duration allows the medication to effectively penetrate the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and work on the intended condition, whether it be to treat an infection, inflammation, or to soften earwax.

If the client were to sit up or move shortly after the drops are administered, the effectiveness of the treatment could be compromised, as the drops might not remain in contact with the affected area for enough time. This practice aligns with the principles of proper administration of medications, allowing for maximal therapeutic effect.

In contrast, shorter durations may not provide sufficient time for the medication to act, while unnecessarily prolonging the position until the next appointment would likely be impractical for patient comfort and overall management of care.