The nurse is teaching a parent how to give ear drops to a child with otitis externa. Which instruction is correct?

1. 1Lie on the unaffected side, put drops in the ear canal, and stay there for 3 to 5 minutes.
2. 2Lie on the affected side, put in the drops, and sit up right away to let them drain.
3. 3Sit upright, tilt the head toward the affected side, and remain there for 30 seconds.
4. 4Lie on the back with the head straight and stay completely still for 20 minutes.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Other Childhood Disorders: Implementation (Take Action). Licensed under CC BY 4.0.