What should you do with a child's ear when taking a tympanic temperature?

When taking a tympanic temperature using an ear thermometer, it's important to position the ear correctly to ensure an accurate reading. For younger children, pulling the ear down and back helps to straighten the ear canal, allowing the thermometer to access the tympanic membrane more easily. In contrast, for older children and adults, pulling the ear up and back also straightens the ear canal, which facilitates an accurate measurement.

This technique is crucial because the ear canal's natural curvature can sometimes obstruct the accurate detection of temperature. Proper positioning helps to ensure that the thermometer is aligned with the eardrum, which is the target area for the reading. Therefore, understanding the differences in ear positioning based on the child's age is essential for effective temperature measurement and proper care.