What is the first step a nurse should take to remove an insect from a client's ear?

The initial step a nurse should take in removing an insect from a client's ear involves instilling lidocaine into the ear. This approach is vital for a couple of reasons. Firstly, lidocaine acts as a local anesthetic, providing pain relief to the patient. This is particularly important because the patient may experience significant discomfort or anxiety during the removal process. By numbing the area, the nurse can reduce the risk of the patient moving unpredictably, which could complicate the removal.

Additionally, the administration of lidocaine can help to immobilize the insect, making it easier to extract. The anesthetic effect may also facilitate a more cooperative environment, allowing the healthcare professional to perform the extraction swiftly and effectively.

This step is crucial before any physical attempts to remove the insect are made, as using tweezers, rinsing with water, or sending for imaging tests may not only be ineffective but could also pose a risk of injury to the ear canal or exacerbate the discomfort the patient is experiencing. Thus, the application of a local anesthetic is the most appropriate and beneficial initial action.