What is the correct step for administering ear medication?

For administering ear medication, it is essential to ensure that the medication is delivered effectively into the ear canal. Squeezing the bulb to deliver the prescribed drops is critical because it allows for the precise dosage of the medication to reach the affected area. Holding the ear dropper too close can create a risk of introducing bacteria, and turning the patient's head to the side, while helpful in some situations to allow the medication to flow down the ear canal, does not directly pertain to the action of administering the medication itself. Using a cotton ball after administration is generally not encouraged in this context, as it can prevent the medication from permeating properly into the ear. Thus, delivering the drops accurately by squeezing the bulb is the most correct and effective step in the ear medication administration process, ensuring that the treatment can work effectively.