HEENT Assessment Practice Test

The appropriate technique for inspecting an infant's ear involves pulling back and down on the ear. This is crucial because an infant's ear structure differs from that of older children and adults. The ear canal in infants is more horizontal, and the process of pulling back and down helps to straighten the ear canal, allowing for a better view of the tympanic membrane (eardrum). This positioning aids in accurately assessing the health of the ear without causing discomfort to the infant.

Using other techniques, such as pulling up and out, may not provide the same visual access to the ear canal and could potentially lead to an inaccurate assessment. It's also important to consider that a steady hold is generally part of ensuring children's comfort and safety during examinations but does not directly address the specific technique required for effective ear inspection in infants. Lastly, pulling straight back is not effective either, as it does not take into account the anatomy of an infant's ear canal. Thus, pulling back and down is the recognized best practice for inspecting an infant's ear.