A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child who has acute bacterial conjunctivitis of the right eye and has been prescribed bacitracin ophthalmic ointment. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Wipe any excess medication from the inner canthus outward.

Place an occlusive dressing on the affected eye to prevent the spread of infection.

Instruct guardian to apply erythromycin ophthalmic ointment every morning for 14 days.

Gently massage the eyelid to facilitate absorption of the medication.