When preparing to administer ear drops to a six-year-old client, what action should the nurse take?

When administering ear drops to a six-year-old client, the appropriate action is to pull the ear pinna up and back. This technique is necessary because it helps to straighten the ear canal, allowing for better delivery of the medication directly into the ear. In children older than three years, pulling the pinna up and back optimally aligns the ear canal in such a way that the drops can more easily reach the tympanic membrane, which is crucial for effective treatment.

This method contrasts with how younger children, specifically those under three years old, should have their ear pinna pulled down and back. Understanding the anatomy of the ear in relation to age is essential for proper administration of ear drops, which enhances the effectiveness of the treatment and minimizes discomfort for the child. Other options, such as positioning the client on their side or placing cotton directly into the ear canal, while relevant to different contexts, do not pertain to the proper technique for delivering ear drops.