What is the first step before administering ear medication?

The first step before administering ear medication involves washing the outer ear. This is important because it helps ensure that the area is clean and free from any debris or wax that could interfere with the medication's effectiveness or cause irritation. By cleaning the outer ear, you create a suitable environment for the medication, promoting better absorption and ensuring that any application made deeper in the ear canal is not obstructed by any contaminants that might already be present.

Warming the medication is beneficial as it helps to reduce discomfort for the patient when applying cold drops, but it is not a necessary prerequisite before administration; it typically follows the cleaning step. Pulling the ear down and forward is a subsequent technique used to facilitate the proper delivery of the medication into the ear canal rather than a preliminary step. Inserting a pill cutter is unrelated to the administration of ear drops, as it pertains to oral medication management.