Florida Home Health Aide Competency Practice Test

What is the primary reason to avoid using cotton swabs inside a baby’s ears?

1. It may irritate the delicate skin.

2. It could lead to wax impaction.

3. It is unnecessary and unsafe.

4. It can be done without accompanying care.

The correct answer is: It is unnecessary and unsafe.

Using cotton swabs inside a baby's ears is generally considered unnecessary and unsafe for several reasons, making this the most appropriate answer. Babies typically do not require cleaning of their ear canals, as the ear has a natural self-cleaning mechanism that helps to manage earwax. Additionally, the structure of a baby's ear is more delicate compared to an adult's ear. Inserting cotton swabs into a baby's ears can disturb this natural process and potentially push wax further into the ear canal, which can lead to wax impaction. This situation can cause discomfort and may require medical intervention to remedy. Furthermore, cotton swabs can irritate the sensitive skin within the ear, increasing the risk of injury or infection. Thus, the primary concern is that using these swabs is both unnecessary and poses risks, underscoring the importance of keeping care practices safe and effective for infants.