How should you manipulate the ear of a child during examination?

When examining the ear of a child, the correct technique involves maneuvering the pinna down and back. This approach is especially important because a child's ear canal is shorter and more horizontal than that of an adult, meaning the angle of the ear canal differs significantly. By pulling down and back, the examiner can create a straighter pathway that allows better visualization of the tympanic membrane.

This technique helps to align the ear canal appropriately for optimal inspection, ensuring that structures such as the eardrum are clearly visible, which is critical for identifying any potential issues such as fluid, infection, or perforation. It's essential to adapt examination techniques to the anatomical differences in children to ensure accurate assessments and minimize discomfort during the procedure.