A nurse is preparing to administer ear drops to a 2-year-old child with otitis externa. Which action correctly facilitates proper medication delivery based on the anatomy and function of the ear?

Instill medication with the child lying on the unaffected side to prevent drainage.

Gently pull the pinna down and back to straighten the ear canal for better medication access.

Pull the pinna up and back to ensure the medication reaches the inner ear directly.

Massage the mastoid area to facilitate medication absorption into the middle ear.