The practical nurse (PN) is administering otic drops to an adult who has a ruptured eardrum. Which action should the PN implement?

A. Collect ear drainage for culture: May be indicated if ordered, but not routine before instillation of drops. B. Warm the drops to room temperature: Prevents dizziness or nausea from instilling cold drops and promotes comfort. C. Don sterile gloves to instill the drops: Clean technique is used for otic medications, not sterile gloves. D. Insert the dropper into the ear canal: Risk of trauma and contamination; dropper should remain above canal opening.