A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client with bacterial conjunctivitis of the right eye. and a prescription for an antibiotic ophthalmic ointment. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

When applying ophthalmic ointment, the nurse instructs the client to apply the ointment in a thin line along the conjunctival sac (the lower eyelid pulled down to expose the inner surface). This technique ensures even distribution of the medication over the eye surface and minimizes the risk of contaminating the tube tip. Wiping from the outer to the inner canthus is incorrect; the correct technique is to wipe from the inner canthus outward (inner to outer), moving away from the lacrimal duct to prevent introducing microorganisms or secretions toward the tear duct. Keeping the eye open for 30 seconds after instillation is not a standard instruction for ointment; for eye drops the client is often asked to close the eye gently and apply gentle pressure to the inner canthus to reduce systemic absorption. Using a sterile glove and applicator is not necessary for this procedure; clean technique is used and the tube tip must not touch the eye or surrounding structures to maintain sterility of the medication. The most clinically accurate and safe instruction the nurse should reinforce is to apply the ointment in a thin line into the conjunctival sac, which correctly describes the appropriate administration technique and protects the integrity of the medication.