An adult client has been diagnosed with impacted cerumen. The provider has ordered carbamide peroxide (Debrox) ear drops to be administered. Which of the following is the best action for the nurse to do for this client?

A. Gently massage the tragus before administering the medication.: Massaging the tragus before administration does not aid in medication distribution. The tragus is massaged after the drops are instilled to help move the medication into the ear canal more effectively, not before. B. Gently pull the pinna of the ear down and back when administering the medication.: Pulling the pinna down and back is the correct technique for administering ear drops in children under three years old. In adults, this position does not straighten the ear canal. C. Gently pull the pinna of the ear up and back when administering the medication.: For adults, pulling the pinna up and back straightens the ear canal, allowing carbamide peroxide to reach the impacted cerumen effectively. D. Place a small cotton ball into the ear canal after administering the medication.: Inserting a cotton ball into the ear canal may trap moisture and promote infection. If needed, a cotton ball can be placed loosely at the outer ear to prevent leakage but should never be inserted into the canal.