Choice C is correct. For children older than 3 years and adults, the nurse should pull the pinna (auricle) up and back to straighten the ear canal and allow proper medication administration. For infants and children younger than 3 years, the nurse should pull the pinna down and back to straighten the ear canal.

Choice A is incorrect. This method is appropriate only for infants and children under 3 years old because their ear canal is shorter and more horizontal. Since the child in this scenario is six years old, the correct technique is to pull the pinna up and back to straighten the ear canal for proper medication administration.

Choice B is incorrect. The correct position for administering ear drops is to have the affected ear facing up, not against a pillow. Lying with the affected ear against a pillow may cause the medication to leak out instead of being properly absorbed.

Choice D is incorrect. Placing cotton inside the ear canal may absorb the medication, preventing it from reaching deep into the canal where it is needed. If necessary, a small piece of cotton may be placed loosely at the ear opening (not inside the canal) to prevent dripping, but this is usually not recommended unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.

✓ Ear drops should be administered at room temperature. Never administer cold ear drops.

✓ Avoid contact with the dropper tip against the external ear canal.

✓ For children three and younger, the pinna should be pulled down and back.

✓ For children older than three, the pinna should be pulled up and back.

✓ Adjusting the pinna is key because this positioning allows maximum exposure to the tympanic membrane.