A nurse prepares to administer otic drops to a 2-year-old with otitis media. What action is correct?

A. Pull the pinna down and back before instilling drops: In children under 3 years, the external auditory canal is shorter and angled differently than in adults. Pulling the pinna down and back straightens the canal, allowing proper delivery of medication to the tympanic membrane and improving therapeutic effectiveness. B. Warm the drops by placing the bottle in the freezer for 10 minutes: Freezing otic drops can cause cold-induced dizziness, vertigo, or discomfort when administered. Proper warming involves holding the bottle in the hand or using lukewarm water briefly to prevent thermal shock to the ear canal. C. Pull the pinna up and back before instilling drops: Pulling the pinna up and back is appropriate for children older than 3 years and adults. Using this technique in a 2-year-old may misalign the canal, preventing adequate delivery of the drops and reducing effectiveness. D. Position the child prone with head elevated after administration: Positioning the child prone is not necessary and may increase discomfort or risk of the medication draining out. Typically, keeping the child supine or seated with the affected ear upward for a few minutes allows the drops to remain in the canal for absorption.