The nurse is providing discharge instructions to the caregiver of an infant with recurrent otitis media. Which statement made by the caregiver should the nurse recognize as needing additional education about minimizing subsequent infections?

A. Schedule visit for pneumococcal vaccine: The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of otitis media. Ensuring the infant is vaccinated reduces the risk of recurrent ear infections and supports immune protection. B. Avoid any smoking inside the house: Exposure to secondhand smoke increases mucosal irritation and eustachian tube dysfunction, predisposing infants to ear infections. Eliminating smoke exposure is an effective preventive measure. C. Instill benzocaine otic drops regularly: Benzocaine ear drops are used only for short-term pain relief and do not prevent infections. Regular use is unsafe, as it may mask symptoms of worsening infection and cause local irritation or allergic reactions. D. Give infant the full course of antibiotics: Completing the prescribed antibiotic course ensures full eradication of bacteria, preventing resistance and recurrence. Stopping early increases the risk of reinfection and treatment failure.