A nurse is teaching a client's caregiver how to administer an otic medication to the client. Which of the following statements by the caregiver indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Otic medication administration involves the instillation of sterile or non-sterile solutions into the external auditory canal. Proper positioning of the auricle is essential to straighten the ear canal and ensure the medication reaches the tympanic membrane. Rationale: A. Pulling the pinna up and back is the correct technique for an adult client to straighten the external auditory canal. This maneuver allows the drops to flow freely toward the eardrum rather than becoming trapped in the curves of the canal. For children under the age of 3, the nurse should teach the caregiver to pull the pinna down and back instead to achieve the same result. B. Lying flat in bed is not the ideal position for receiving otic drops, as the medication may not flow deep enough into the canal. The client should be in a side-lying position with the affected ear facing upward to facilitate the gravitational flow of the solution. This position should be maintained for several minutes after instillation to ensure maximum absorption and prevent the medication from leaking out. C. Cooling otic drops before administration is incorrect because cold solutions can cause extreme discomfort and trigger a vestibular response known as the caloric reflex. This reflex can result in severe vertigo, nausea, and nystagmus. Caregivers should be instructed to warm the medication container by rolling it between their hands to reach body temperature, ensuring a more comfortable and safe administration. D. Tilting the head back is a technique used for ophthalmic or nasal instillations rather than otic medications. For the ear, the head must be tilted toward the opposite shoulder so the affected ear is horizontal and pointing toward the ceiling. Tilting the head backward would cause the drops to run down the side of the face rather than entering the ear canal effectively.