A parent of a 2-week-old newborn reports persistent tearing and yellow crusting in one eye. The sclera is white, and the infant is afebrile. Which instruction should the nurse provide?

Apply warm compresses and administer prescribed antibiotic ointment twice daily.

Keep the eye covered to prevent further irritation.

Gently massage the lacrimal sac several times daily.

Irrigate the eye with sterile saline every 2 hours until drainage resolves