The healthcare provider prescribed ear drops for a 5-year-old girl with otitis externa. Which technique should the practical nurse (PN) advise the mother to use when administering the ear drops?

A. Gently pull the upper aspect of the ear lobe upwards and backwards: For children older than 3 years, this straightens the ear canal to allow proper delivery of the medication into the external auditory canal. B. Gently pull the lower aspect of the ear lobe downwards and forward: This technique is appropriate for infants and children younger than 3 years, as their ear canal angles differently. C. Hold the upper aspect of the ear lobe downwards and against the skull: This position would obstruct the ear canal rather than open it, preventing proper medication flow. D. Instill one drop q5 minutes with the child in a Trendelenburg position: Trendelenburg positioning is unnecessary and unsafe for ear drop administration; the child should simply remain with the affected ear upward for several minutes.