When instilling ear drops in an adult, how should the pinna of the ear be positioned?

When administering ear drops to adults, the correct positioning of the pinna (the external part of the ear) is to pull it up and back. This maneuver helps to straighten the ear canal, allowing the drops to reach deeper into the ear and ensuring that the medication is effectively delivered to the area where it is needed. The upward and backward positioning effectively opens up the canal, which is especially important for adults, as their ear anatomy differs from that of children.

Providing this proper alignment is crucial for maximizing the efficacy of the treatment and minimizing discomfort during the process. It also helps prevent any potential injury or irritation to the ear canal that could result from improper positioning.